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two anchoring communities—the Amanas and
the Meskwaki Settlement—have received the CeNTUry aNd
greatest attention in the past, the history of HerITaGe farMS IN
the tiny, rural hamlets strung throughout the IoWa
Corridor area is virtually unsung. In addition, The program (administered
the remarkable relationship between the through the Iowa Department of
Community of True Inspirationists and the Agriculture) recognizes families
Meskwaki is a great American story yet to that have owned their farm for 100
be told. And, only recently have two major, years or more in case of Century
nationally significant historic “highways” that Farms and 150 years or more for
crosscut the IVSB—the Mormon Trail and the Heritage Farms.
transcontinental Lincoln Highway—received
much attention.

EXISTING STRATEGIES

A number of voluntary and some regulatory
efforts exist to preserve and enhance the
Amanas and the Meskwaki Settlement. These
include the Amana Colonies Land Use District
Ordinance, and local historic preservation
initiatives such as the establishment of the
Amana Colonies as a National Historic
Landmark, Belle Plaine’s Main Street Program
and Commercial Historic District, and the
Meskwaki Nation’s Historical Preservation
Department. An historic signage plan for Silos & Smokestacks National
the Amana Colonies and a driving tour Heritage Area is one of 49 federally
highlighting the entire Byway, recently have designated heritage areas in the
been developed. In the last three years, the nation and is an Affiliated Area of
Meskwaki Historical Preservation Department the National Park Service. Through
began a series of symposia on various the development of a network
aspects of the tribe’s history and culture well of sites, programs and events,
attended by both tribal members and others SSNHA’s mission is to interpret
outside the community. A Meskwaki Museum farm life, agribusiness and rural
was a very recent major initiative by the tribe. communities-past and present.