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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Exploring the Stories and History of Mount Vernon, Iowa

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  • Historic Districts
    • Owning Property in a Historic District
    • Ash Park District
      • Ash Park District Description
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      • Ash Park NRHP Registration Form.pdf
    • Commercial District
      • Commercial District Description
      • Commercial District Walking Tour
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      • Cornell College District Description
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    • Mount Vernon Photos
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  • History
    • A Short History of Mount Vernon
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    • Brick Homes on the NRHP & Nomination Forms
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    • Mount Vernon / Lisbon Newspapers (1860 – 2012)
    • A Centennial History of Mount Vernon, Iowa: 1847-1947
    • A Survey of Brick Buildings in Mount Vernon, Iowa 1850-1859
    • 2023 Play: “Treasure”
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Commercial District – Photos

Photo of Painting of Downtown Southside Sun Newspaper by Mark Benesh

If you want to see where it all began, take a stroll through the Commercial District. Mount Vernon began as a town which serviced travelers along the first north-south highway in the state: Highway One. The town consisted of dry goods stores, repair shops for wagons and harnesses, and a watering trough at the intersection of Main Street and Highway One. This intersection was the birthplace of Mount Vernon.

Today the Commercial District harbors several outstanding restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. The district also serves as headquarters for many of Mount Vernon’s quintessential events—Chalk the Walk, Chili Cook-Off, Magical Night—so stop by! No matter the season, there’s always something exciting happening in the Commercial District.


Fred Young

Photo of Fred Young when he was older sitting in a chair.

Sun photos from the 1980s and 90s

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Sun Photos from the 1980s and 90s Tags 1979, Bauman's Clothing Store, Commercial Historic District, Fred Young, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos, Sun Photos from the 1980s and 90s

Bloom Collective

Photo of a brick building that houses Bloom Collective.

121 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Abbe Creek Gallery

Photo of Abbe Creek Gallery located in a brick building.

105 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub

Photo of brick building housing Big's BBQ and Brew Pub.

106 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Hill of a Deal

Photo of red brick building with arched upper story windows housing Hill of a Deal.

118 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Mount Vernon Pharmacy

Photo of a brick building housing Mount Vernon Pharmacy.

101 First Street East

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Histoirc Photos

Dreads & Threads

A photo of a brick building housing Dreads & Threads a boutique and dreadlock salon.

100 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Historic Photos

The Golden Cut

The Golden Cut is a barber shop in a red brick building.

102 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Ink Expression Tattoo and Piercing

Ink Expression Tattoo and Piercing is a red brick building with green framing around the windows and door.

114 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Hands in Harmony

A red brick building housing a day spa called Hands in Harmony.

104 First Street West

Categories Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Wren & Purl

Wren & Purl is a brick building located at 100 First Street West.

100 First Street West

Categories Building Genealogies, Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos

Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub

Photo of Big's BBQ and Brew Pub at 106 First Street West.

106 First Street West @2026

Categories Building Genealogies, Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon Historic Photos
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