As we explained in our previous post, Ft. Madison, Iowa – A Historic Little Town on the Mississippi River, Andy worked at the hospital in Ft. Madison and we parked our RV at a campground in nearby Keokuk. We found plenty of places to explore in the area. This post highlights a couple of Keokuk’s historic sites on the Mississippi River.
Lock & Dam No. 19
Like Ft. Madison, Keokuk is also located on the Mississippi River. Keokuk, named after Sac Chief Keokuk, is the southernmost city in Iowa. It is also the location of the historic Lock & Dam No. 19. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Lock and Dam No. 19 Historic District. The district contains 1,605 acres, 7 buildings, 12 structures, and 1 object.
Construction on the dam began in 1910 and was completed in 1913. At that time, it was the largest capacity, single powerhouse electricity generating plant in the world. Originally producing 25 Hertz power, all the units have been converted to produce 60 Hz power for local area distribution and transmission to other locations. The locks are 1200 feet long and 110 feet wide. The lift is over 38 feet.
It was amazing to watch as the locks closed and the water rose in the enclosed area, lifting the barges higher and higher. 
For more information regarding Lock & Dam No. 19, check out this article Hydro Review: Keokuk Energy Center
Observation Deck
When the new bridge connecting Keokuk to Hamilton, Illinois was constructed across the Mississippi, the Keokuk side of the bridge was converted to an observation deck.
The Toll Booth still sits in its original location, which is now used as parking for the deck.
We were able to get a good view of the Lock & Dam No. 19 and the barges traveling on the Mississippi from the end of the deck. The deck also provides views of nearby Victory Park and the George M. Verity Tug.
Victory Park
This scenic park along the riverfront offers a close-up view of the barges traveling in and out of the Lock & Dam. It also offers walking trails, picnic, and fishing areas. It is also the location of the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum.
The George M. Verity River Museum
When listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the Geo. M. Verity was one of only three remaining steam-propelled towboats and the only remaining vessel of the fleet that began the Federal Barge Line.
We visited the Verity Tug on a Sunday afternoon. We were the only visitors and received a personal tour from volunteer Bill Dennis. He was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He was also patient as we explored the different parts of the tug and took numerous pictures.
Main Deck
One of the sternwheel’s three decks, the main deck is home to the propelling machinery.
In addition to the machinery that made the paddle boat run, there were several displays. This display featured divers that went below the surface for needed repairs.
Second Deck
Above the Main Deck is the Second Deck. This deck, with narrow hallways, contains the kitchen, dining area, and cabins.
Pilot House
Built of steel, with large sliding windows all around, the Pilot House is raised above the level of the second deck to allow the steersman 360-degree visibility. Steering was controlled by levers attached to steam cylinders in the engine room. The cylinders turned the central rudder with a long tiller arm.
Paddlewheel
After the original wheel suffered multiple fractures, an experimental paddlewheel was installed in 1945. The double helical wheel on the Verity is the only surviving paddlewheel of its kind.
The double helical wheel used bucket planks with a herringbone pattern rather than planks perpendicular to the water. The wheel is 19 feet in diameter and 22 feet long. The buckets on the wheel dip three feet into the water.
Our next post will be about living in Keokuk and the places of interest we found there. If you want to be notified when a new post is ready, just complete the Subscribe Form at the bottom of this page.
“Let me explain it to you so you know I understand, and maybe ask a few more questions.”
References:
- Lock & Dam No.19 https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ia/lee/districts.html
- Geo. M. Verity https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ia/lee/state.html