Northeast Iowa – Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) is proud to recognize the Vinton Railroad Depot, as the most recent addition to the Heritage Area. Ranging from dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly plants, there are now 113 Partner Sites formally designated with preserving and sharing their own unique part of America’s agricultural story in this 37-county region of Northeast Iowa.
Located in Vinton, Iowa, this 1900 railroad depot tells the industrial stories of how the railroad provided the infrastructure to allow industry to grow in Benton County. The railroad provided essential accessibility for businesses like the Iowa Canning Company, Vinton Produce Company, Vinton Steel Works and Vinton Pearl Button Company. The Depot, once the sales office for Hawk Bilt farm implements, now tells the story of that company and highlights the railroad’s rich local history with artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can step back in time in the authentic depot agent’s office, which includes the original telegraph complete with sound.
“We are excited with the addition of the Vinton Railroad Depot as the Heritage Area’s newest Partner Site. The depot share’s the unique story of how the railroad contributed to Iowa being a nationwide hub for agriculture,” stated Candy Streed, SSNHA Program & Partnership Director.
If you are interested in learning more about the process to become a Partner Site, please click here or call 319-234-4567.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets past and present farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities.
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