A gigantic map of all the cool plaques in the world. A project of 99% Invisible.

Water When Needed

A public water supply system was first discussed in the 1850's when Keokuk's population was increasing dramatically, but with the financial panic of 1857 no action was taken. Most home owners had...

A public water supply system was first discussed in the 1850's when Keokuk's population was increasing dramatically, but with the financial panic of 1857 no action was taken. Most home owners had...

  • keokuk
  • iowa
  • industry
  • public service

Waterpower - Dream and Reality

Starting as early as the 1840's, proposals were advanced for building a wing dam near Keokuk that would focus the power of the Mississippi's current. However, no viable plan was formed until the...

Starting as early as the 1840's, proposals were advanced for building a wing dam near Keokuk that would focus the power of the Mississippi's current. However, no viable plan was formed until the...

  • iowa
  • keokuk
  • utilities
  • dam
  • mississippi river
  • industry

Welcome to Keokuk, Iowa

Once a place where Native American Indians hunted and fished, this peninsular part of Iowa is located where the Des Moines River flows into the Mississippi River.Under French and Spanish rule for...

Once a place where Native American Indians hunted and fished, this peninsular part of Iowa is located where the Des Moines River flows into the Mississippi River.Under French and Spanish rule for...

  • keokuk
  • iowa
  • visitors

Hugh Lincoln Cooper

The Illinois, Iowa, Missouri area centered in Keokuk owes much to Hugh Lincoln Cooper engineer, backed by area businessmen, he built, in three years, 1910-1913, the dam and powerhouse now operated...

The Illinois, Iowa, Missouri area centered in Keokuk owes much to Hugh Lincoln Cooper engineer, backed by area businessmen, he built, in three years, 1910-1913, the dam and powerhouse now operated...

  • iowa
  • engineering
  • dam
  • industry

1861-1865 G.A.R.

1861-1865  G.A.R.  One Country, One Flag, One Language

1861-1865  G.A.R.  One Country, One Flag, One Language

  • g.a.r.
  • iowa
  • civil war

The George M. Verity

This historic steam-powered towboat---one of America's famous sternwheelers---has a distinguished record, bearing the name of the founder of Armco Steel Corporation. She had 33 years of...

This historic steam-powered towboat---one of America's famous sternwheelers---has a distinguished record, bearing the name of the founder of Armco Steel Corporation. She had 33 years of...

  • iowa
  • vessel
  • national his...

Mark Twain - Site of the Clemens Brothers' Print Shop

 Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) walked the streets of Keokuk in the years 1855 and 1856. He worked for his brother, Orion, who owned a printing business "The Ben Franklin Book and Job Office”...

 Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) walked the streets of Keokuk in the years 1855 and 1856. He worked for his brother, Orion, who owned a printing business "The Ben Franklin Book and Job...

  • iowa
  • mark twain