Visitors to Croton have a new opportunity to discover one of southeast Iowa’s most significant Civil War stories. Lee County
Conservation recently installed two interpretive history panels as part of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway Interpretive Panel Project, bringing the story of the Battle of Athens and Croton’s important role in the conflict to life.
Located along the banks of the Des Moines River, Croton served as a strategic transportation and supply hub during the Civil War. Although the Battle of Athens was fought across the river in Missouri on August 5, 1861, Croton played a vital role in the events leading to the battle. The first interpretive panel, Approaching Conflict, explores the growing tensions that led to the Battle of Athens, the importance of Croton as a transportation center, and the efforts of Union Colonel David Moore, Captain William Worth Belknap, and the Keokuk Rifles to defend the region. The second panel, Battle at Croton, recounts the events of August 5, 1861, when approximately 500 Union soldiers successfully defended Athens against nearly 2,000 Missouri State Guard troops. Both panels feature historic photographs, maps, artifacts, and firsthand accounts from soldiers who witnessed the battle.
The interpretive panels were developed through extensive historical research in collaboration with historian Gary Mortimer and Battle of Athens State Historic Site Supervisor Melissa Pitford, who assisted in locating historic photographs, artifacts, and
information to bring the story to life. “It was an honor to work on this project with the Historic Hills Scenic Byway and Lee County Conservation” said historian Gary Mortimer. “The Battle of Athens was a significant event during the Civil War, and I was pleased to contribute my research to help tell the story of Croton’s role in the conflict.”
“These new informational panels are a wonderful addition to Croton and will help visitors better understand and appreciate the area’s natural and cultural history,” said Heather Huebner, Director of Lee County Conservation. “We are grateful for the collaboration with Pathfinders RC&D and their help in creating these amazing panels. Partnerships like this allow us to enhance the visitor experience and provide meaningful educational opportunities for everyone who enjoys our parks and natural areas.”
The Croton panels are the newest additions to the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s growing network of interpretive history panels located throughout southeast Iowa. Each site tells unique stories that shaped the region while encouraging travelers to explore beyond the
highway. Panel locations also include free audio tours available through the Pathfinders RC&D website, providing an accessible way for visitors of all ages and abilities to experience local history. Additional history and interpretation can be found at the Battle of Athens Historic Site in Revere, Missouri.
“These panels help bring local history to life for travelers exploring southeast Iowa,” said Christina Hedstrom, Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator. “They invite visitors to slow down, explore Croton, and discover a remarkable Civil War story that unfolded right here along Iowa’s southern border.”
The Historic Hills Scenic Byway stretches 105 miles through southeast Iowa, where interpretive panels, audio tours, and historic sites encourage travelers to slow down and discover the stories that shaped the region.
The Historic Hills Scenic Byway extends its appreciation to historian Gary Mortimer, Melissa Pitford and the staff of the Battle of Athens State Historic Site, and Heather Huebner and the staff at Lee County Conservation for their collaboration in preserving and interpreting this important chapter of regional history.
Support for the project was provided by Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development, Lee County Conservation, Travel Iowa, the Van Buren Foundation, the Davis County Community Foundation, Van Buren County Conservation, the Community Foundation of Van Buren County, the State Historical Society of Iowa, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative, Wapello County Foundation, Access Energy Cooperative, Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, and numerous community members.
For more information about the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa Byways, or Pathfinders RC&D, please contact Christina Hedstrom at 641-472-6177 or christina@pathfindersrcd.org.
Visit the webpage: https://pathfindersrcd.org/what-we-do/community- development/historic-hills-byway/
Visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHillsScenicByway
Audio Tour Part One: Approaching Conflict: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vZy2iUwgUJA6xvWQt0E2k
Audio Tour Part Two: Battle at Croton https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BGOdP1gtxQ4ZeBMB1FpnG
Full Spotify Audio tour webpage:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3KT72fU0r950vsLE2iVsH4
