Council Bluffs Historic Haymarket

Council Bluffs' historic Haymarket district holds the largest collection of 1860s, 70s, 80s, and 90s commercial buildings remaining in the city. The area began after the first of three court houses was built there in 1866 and the arrival of seven railroads to the area. Known as the implement district, it became a bustling hub of manufacturing, warehouses and distribution. Over time its glory faded, which may well be the reason it had been overlooked for development through the latter part of the 20th century, allowing so many original buildings to remain intact today. This short video provides a very brief overview of the area's history along with pictures from the 19th century through the present. The historical information was provided by Ryan Roenfeld.

[@mikevore4382]

Dick Woods barbershop was on the point for several years.

[@cbmike6244]

My neighborhood!! Thanks for putting these out, and the podcast is just awesome!!

[@councilbluffsrevealed4429]

Glad you like them! CB has so much interesting history :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@sandramckinnon700]

Were there apartments or offices above many of the businesses? Why was the area called Haymarket? The video mentions Implement District.

[@councilbluffsrevealed4429]

The term "haymarket district" came into use in the 1890s when public scales were placed at that triangle area where Pearl and Main come together for farmers to use to weigh their commodities prior to sale. The implement district was so called because of the bustling farm implement manufacture, distribution, and sales firms that spread from the city scales south into the railroad yards. With eight class I rail lines converging in Council Bluffs and the city being right in the midst of the agricultural belt this made it the perfect spot for such an enterprise. There were 27 such businesses at one point, the two best examples remaining being today's Harvester Lofts and the McCormick Building, both beautifully restored by PACE. Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper-- the device that revolutionized farming-- recognized the critical role of Council Bluffs and sent son Harold and wife Edith Rockefeller McCormick here to set up an operation that became one of four central implement distributorships in the US. As to the upper floors of the Haymarket buildings, these were home to the shop keepers and apartments, but also many hotels were in this district. Thanks for the questions; lots of interesting history in Council Bluffs!