1891 Burnham and Root Depot
Keokuk, Iowa is a modest city with a population of approximately 10,000 located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It was incorporated in 1847 and was considered the next up and coming city due to its involvement in the Mississippi River trade. As Keokuk grew, it needed to accommodate their residents as well as visitors, which led to the construction of the Keokuk Union Depot built in 1891. Designed by the celebrated Chicago firm, Burnham and Root, it is considered a great example of a Romanesque Revival train depot and one of the last buildings designed by John Root. It is one of several train depots that Burnham and Root designed in the Midwest, however, it is one of few that are still standing. The Keokuk Union depot lost its last two passenger trains in1967, which marked the end of Keokuk’s 110-year-old railroad service. Miraculously, the depot stood vacant for years without succumbing to the wrecking ball due to the determination of several local preservation groups. The depot has great potential and with your help, Keokuk’s Preservation Committee could be that much closer to restoring it to its original grandeur.
Tweet
