Historic Home Towns In Iowa. Iowa’s past is one rich with history, and even now, you can visit these historic towns to get a little glimpse of how life was back in the day.
Featured Place: Monroe County
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Monroe County has a rich history shaped by early settlement, coal mining, and communities that helped build south-central Iowa. From the founding of Albia to the remarkable story of Buxton, the county’s past reflects the people, industries, and traditions that left a lasting mark on the region.
From Kishkekosh County to Monroe County
Monroe County was originally named Kishkekosh County, honoring a Meskwaki chief. Established in 1843 from territory that had been part of Wapello County, the county was later renamed in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, in 1846.
Choosing a county seat proved to be an early challenge. Princeton, the settlement that would become Albia, was selected in 1845, despite competing interests from other early communities. In 1846, the Iowa Legislature changed the town’s name from Princeton to Albia because another town in Iowa already carried the Princeton name.
Albia grew into the county’s center of government and commerce. Its historic downtown square remains a reminder of the community’s early development and the generations of residents who helped shape the area.
Coal Mining Transforms Monroe County
Coal mining played a major role in Monroe County’s growth during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The region’s rich coal deposits attracted workers and families, creating jobs and supporting businesses throughout the area.
By 1910, Monroe County’s population had grown to more than 25,000 residents. Mining communities became important centers of economic and social life, with schools, churches, stores, and other services supporting the growing workforce.
Over time, however, changes in the energy and transportation industries, along with increased mechanization, reduced the demand for coal miners. As mines closed, many residents left the area in search of work. The county’s population fell to 7,577 in the 2020 U.S. Census, reflecting the long-term changes that reshaped the local economy.
Buxton: A Remarkable Iowa Mining Town
One of the most distinctive chapters in Monroe County’s history is the story of Buxton, a coal-mining town that became nationally notable for its large African American population and diverse community.
Established by the Consolidation Coal Company in the late 19th century, Buxton attracted workers from across the country, including African Americans recruited from southern states. The company needed a reliable workforce to support its expanding mining operations, and Buxton grew into one of the most prominent coal towns west of the Mississippi River.
At its height, Buxton was home to thousands of residents. African Americans made up the majority of the population, and the community developed a reputation for offering opportunities that were uncommon in many other places during that era. Residents built homes, businesses, churches, schools, and community organizations, creating a thriving town centered on the coal industry.
Buxton’s success was closely tied to mining, and its fortunes changed as the industry declined. Reduced demand for coal, changing railroad technology, and the closure of mines contributed to the town’s eventual disappearance. By the late 1920s, the last mine had closed, and much of the community had dispersed.
Today, little of the original town remains above ground, but Buxton continues to hold an important place in Iowa history. Its story offers a powerful look at African American life, employment opportunities, and community building in the early 20th century.
Preserving Monroe County’s History
From its early days as Kishkekosh County to the rise of coal mining and the remarkable community of Buxton, Monroe County’s history is an important part of Iowa’s story. Its historic buildings, local archives, and community memories help preserve the experiences of the people who lived and worked here.
Exploring this history offers a better understanding of how Monroe County developed—and how the legacy of earlier generations continues to shape the area today.
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