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!

  17    Isaiah Meek Home – 1848 - 1853 - Located just west of Bonaparte on the "river road". His father, William Meek, came to Van Buren county in 1837 among the earliest settlers at a time when Iowa was still a part of the Wisconsin Territory. Along with his sons, Robert, Isaiah and William were the owners and operators of various Meek Mills. See Biography
  18    Christy Mercantile Block – 1853. A key structure of Bonaparte's commercial district dating back to the mid-1800's. Thomas Christy was an early pioneer of Bonaparte and one time member of the state legislature.
 19   Poe Building  – ca. 1850. One of 3 early brick duplexes near 2nd St. 1909 map shows the left side as Telephone Exchange office. Perhaps built at the time of the Mormon encampment, similar in design to Mormon structures in Nauvoo, Illinois.
  20    Dan Cresap Home - Built in the 1890's, this 2 1/2 story vernacular Queen Anne house with its large turret sits high upon a hill at the corner of 5th and Main. A low stone wall borders the property located on a corner lot. A private residence. Dan Cresap was a prominent businessman and civic leader. He was responsible for the handle factory and was involved in various businesses and buildings in the downtown area.
  21   Cresap Building – c. 1900 - One of the Daniel Cresap properties, this building upon the site of Bonaparte's first hotel which has been built in 1840. Know originally as the "Tavern" it later became the "Eason House" which was destroyed by fire in 1894. The Cresap building has had varied used over the years, originally as a furniture store, later as the "Fair Store"  . .  it even once contained an early movie theater on the upper level in the 1920s. It is currently serves as a crafts shop.

  22    Coolidge Building – The Coolidge family were long time businessmen operating a Dry Goods establishment in Bonaparte headed by the father, Henry Sr., and carried on by sons Orlando J. and Henry L. In the 1900s this building was home to the Troutman Hardware store. It is currently an antiques shop.
  23    Band Shell – 1920. Located in Riverside Park, this was the home to many concerts and assorted entertainment throughout the 1900s. Still in use today for special events, it is a jewel among the numerous attractions in Riverside Park.
  24    Whiteley Opera House  – 1894 - Rebuilt after the original opera house was destroyed by fire. It had a seating capacity of 600. Currently the home to Bonaparte City Hall, Bonaparte Main Street and community room.