Independence, IA: 1854 Wapsipinicon Mill and Rock Island Depot

Mill: (Satellite)

Depot: (Satellite, it was east of 2nd Ave and south of the tracks)

Street View

Dave Durham commented on his post
CRI&P Depot, Independence, Iowa, 1909

A different exposure.

AJ Jackson posted

1973 Independence Quad @ 24,000

 

3 of 9 photos posted by David Marvitz with the comment:

10-5-2026     Today my wife & I went on our day trip to Dyersville, Iowa. On the way home we stopped at Independence, Iowa and I capture some images of the Wapsipinicon Feed Mill. The Wapsipinicon River was up and I also captured some images at the Dam.

The Wapsipinicon Feed Mill and Dam became operational in 1854. The 5-story structure is 122 feet long, by 62 feet wide and was used at first as a flouring mill. As wheat production slowed down, it became more economical to produce "Wapsi" brand poultry and stock feed.

Today the Mill is the foremost cornerstone of our community. It still resides in its original location but has since received several cosmetic reconstructions. Surrounded by several eateries and just over the bridge from our historic downtown, the Wapsipinicon Mill serves as a substantial tourist attraction and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. The Mill is operated by the Buchanan County Historical Society and is open for tours and special events during the summer months.

a

b

c

Mark Hanson commented on David's post, cropped
William Wagner historical sketches

IndependenceIA
"The Wapsipinicon Feed Mill and Dam became operational in 1854. The 5-story structure is 122 feet long, by 62 feet wide and was used at first as a flouring mill. As wheat production slowed down, it became more economical to produce 'Wapsi' brand poultry and stock feed."

SilosAndSmokeStacks
"The Wapsipinicon Mill is one of Iowa’s largest grist mills, towering six stories above the Wapsipinicon River. This museum interprets the grist milling process from 1870 to the 1940s and features original buhr stones, milling equipment, early agricultural artifacts and hands-on exhibits."

 

TripAdvisor

The fourth paragraph says this mill was run with a turbine that used a 2' pipe with a 7' head and that generated 140 horsepower.

Darrin Ochsner, Jul 2022

The river was running high in July 2017.

Roger Fischels, Jul 2017

In 2008 and 2010 there was flooding that caused damage.

MillPictures
"*Update: Again in 2008 and 2010 there was major flooding on the Wapsipinicon River which caused damage. FEMA, through the historic branch, was able to help with the meal floor and foundation - which is still an ongoing project. The historical society is now looking for additional grants for the roof. Updated picture shows the mill during the flood of July 2010. Photographer-Mark Blaker, Independence, Iowa. Leanne Harrison 03/12/2011*"

Cosmos Mariner, Aug 2017

1:58 @ 0:25