“Is it not cruel to let our cities die by degrees, stripped of all her proud monuments until there will be nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children? If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for our future?”
Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis authored this statement in a letter to Mayor Beame in support of preserving New York’s Grand Central Terminal when it was in danger of being torn down and replaced by a skyscraper in 1975.
Historical sites in the U.S. have taught generations of Americans about culture and how the past has shaped and informed the present. Each state has its own unique set of old buildings and memorials. But they can’t illustrate our history if they are torn down.
The National Register of Historic Places lists over 15,000 individual structures and sites as important monuments in our state. Our very own Iowa City is home to one of Iowa’s most famous National Historic Landmarks: the Old Capitol building.
Unfortunately, many ancient buildings are at risk of being torn down because of structural deterioration, high renovation costs, or, in the case of The Travelers Rest Inn, blocking a clear path to the city’s Main Street.
The Travelers Rest Inn is thought to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad, and it is currently in danger of demolition. Preservation Iowa, a nonprofit aiming to protect Iowa’s historical buildings, announced this property as the first on its 2025 list of endangered Iowa landmarks.
The post stated, “The former Inn is one of the only structures still standing that is a vestige of the active support of the anti-slavery movement by residents of Cedar County.”
This building is a testament to the county’s history and deserves to be preserved for the next generation to learn from.
It’s easy to perceive some historic constructions as rundown or out of place, but they add architectural and cultural value to communities and the people living there. They also provide tangible history lessons that teach residents about their towns.
The Mill in Iowa City was a historic bar and restaurant that opened in 1962 and was sadly torn down in 2022. Iowa City residents were saddened by the loss of this beautiful building, which was a popular event spot that regularly hosted local bands.
Owner Marc Moen was reluctant to tear down this beloved building, but the structural issues were too much for him to repair on his own. After The Mill closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, there was just not enough money for Moen to try and maintain and preserve the building.
Preserving and renovating these sites can boost the economy of the community where they stand by attracting new businesses, tourists, and investors. The maintenance and operation of these monuments also create job opportunities, whether it be tour guides, maintenance workers, or historians.
Take the Old Capitol, for instance. This is Iowa City’s most visited building with a historic museum and Senate Chamber, as well as regularly hosted events for students, faculty, and Iowa City residents to enjoy.
This building has been maintained through public funds and donations from those who understand how much this building means to students and the community. The University of Iowa also played a big part in the restoration and upkeep. This building symbolizes Iowa’s history and serves as an educational hub for staff and students.
It’s important to think of preservation as a way to strengthen a community for the future, instead of keeping a community stuck in the past. Renovating these sites can bring new opportunities for a town’s development while keeping its history at the forefront.
The Amana Colonies, for example, bring an estimated 1.5 million visitors every year. Tourism has boosted the economy of Iowa County and helped to preserve Amana Farms, which includes the largest privately held forest in Iowa.
Preservation Iowa is currently accepting nominations for its 2025 list of most endangered historic sites in Iowa. If you are passionate about historical landmarks and know of a building at risk of being torn down, consider nominating it for preservation.