Historical Sites
Iowa’s Largest Historic Courthouse Square District
Includes 119 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, Victorian and Italianate styles, a Civil War monument and a three-story courthouse with tile roof. This bustling district is lined with specialty shops, apparel retailers and restaurants.
Appanoose County Historical and Coal Mining Museum
Located on West Maple in Centerville. This Georgian-styled former post office, built in 1903, now houses three levels of exhibits. Experience the diverse history of Appanoose County while you explore a pioneer farm and village replica, Indian artifacts, military displays, Appanoose County Extraordinary Individuals display, and a replica of a coal mine which includes mining tools, photos, and videos of local mines.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery
Rathbun Lake is Iowa’s largest warm water fish hatchery. The hatchery features an aquarium with native Iowa fish on display. Visitors can view the hatchery operations from an elevated walkway throughout the facility to see fish eggs in large cylinder incubators and the feeding of infant fish.
Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad Depot
Located on Hwy 5 in southern Centerville, is a monument to the old railroad days. Built in 1910, the picturesque brick building was a busy railroad serving passengers and providing freight and baggage service to the surrounding area.
Historic Second Baptist Church
Located at 420 S. 18th St. in Centerville, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where internationally renown opera singer Simon Estes sang as a child. The church is being developed into a Simon Estes historical exhibit slated to open in the fall of 2019.
Wabash Depot Museum
Located in Moravia and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restored depot was used in the 1900s and houses railroad artifacts including an operational model train layout.
Drake Public Library
Located on Drake Ave. in Centerville. The library was dedicated in 1903 and was a gift from Centerville native, Governor Francis M. Drake. It features a restored stained-glass dome.
Old Jail & Sheriff’s Residence
Located on North Main St. in Centerville. Built in 1872, the residence is furnished with period articles. Visitors can also see an 1847 log cabin.
Little Flock Chapel
Located on Hwy 2 between Centerville and Corydon. Open to the public, the restored chapel is one of the smallest churches you will ever see.
Moulton Historical Society
Features Wabash Railroad memorabilia and a country schoolhouse.
Walnut City Church
Located ten miles north of Centerville. Established in 1858, the historical church was restored in 2009.
Iowa Mormon Trail
Interpretive panels mark the campsites and points of crossing that the Mormons traveled enroute to Utah. Ruts from the wagon caravans are still visible. Two crossings can be viewed on the Chariton River on the Pioneer Trail west of Moulton and on the Trace Trail at Rathbun Lake, 15 miles west of Moravia.