Self Guided Virtual Tour 
of Historic Bonaparte

Following are just some of the dozens of interesting historical sites of interest in Bonaparte. 
Come see for yourself!

  9    Stone Arch & Wall – 1938. Constructed of limestone  by WPA (Works Projects Administration) workers. This unique stone structure frames Bonaparte's Riverfront Park where you will also find the Band Shell and Lock and Dam structures. 
  10    Robert Meek Home – 1865 - 1870, 564 W. 5th St. Son of William Meek, founder of Meek's Mills, later to be known as Bonaparte. Built high on a hill overlooking the Meek Brothers Mills, by one of the most important men in the community, as a mansion and symbol of his influence. Has been a private home, apartment house, bed and breakfast and today is again a lovely private residence.
  11    Hinish Building – 1903. Located at the east end of the business district on First St., the Des Moines river lies directly out its back door. Joseph Hinish, born in Kralowitz, Bohemia, came to America in 1862 and was a tailor by trade. The building today houses an Antiques and Crafts retail business.
 12    Woolen Mill  – 1863, located on First St. - Once another two stories taller than it's present size, this was the home of Meek's Woolen Mills, once a major manufacturer of woolen goods in the central part of America. The front entrance addition was completed by WPA workers in the late 1930s. Currently an antiques shop.
  13    Fowler Home - c. 1850 Early 1 1/2 story cottage located on Washington St. adjacent to the business district. May have been a duplex or business office. For many years in the early to mid 1900s was the home of the Bonaparte Telephone Exchange office. Currently a crafts shop.
  14    Johnson - Bogle Home – NW corner Main & 3rd St.  Built in 1856 by Wm. J. Johnson (biography)  who came to the community in 1837. Directly across the street lived his sister, Mrs. Thomas (Sarah Caroline Johnson) Christy. Johnson's wife Mary Jane was the sister of Thomas Christy. Partners in the long time "Christy and Johnson" firm. Sold home to the husband of his granddaughter, Dr. Wm. I.  Bogle, for $2,000 in 1906.  A private residence today under restoration.

  15    Baptist Church  – Built  on the site of the former church in 1904 using stone from the old church. Located on SW corner of 5th & Washington St.  Known originally as the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Cornerstone was laid in August 1903 with first sevices held in the new church April 3, 1904.
  16    Stutzman Home – 1903 - Located NE Corner of 5th & Washington.  Built for with widow of Dr. D.W. Stuzman who had practiced medicine in Bonaparte since 1867. One of the community's loveliest, and  stately homes sitting high atop Washington St. has served as a private  residence, boarding house, and nursing home. Now lovingly restored to its former glory it is again a private residence.