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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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    • Ash Park District
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    • Commercial District
      • Commercial District Description
      • Commercial District Walking Tour
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    • Mount Vernon / Lisbon Newspapers (1860 – 2012)
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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.


Chalk the Walk-2010

Photo of two girls playing cello and violin

Chalk the Walk-2010. Two girls entertaining at the festival.

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2010

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2010

Chalk the Walk-2010

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2013 Juggler performs

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2013 Juggler performs

Chalk the Walk-2013 Juggler performs

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2010 Wizard of Oz

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2010 Wizard of Oz

Chalk the Walk-2010 Wizard of Oz

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2009 From the Roof

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2009 From the Roof

Chalk the Walk-2009 From the Roof

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2008 Dawn Wagner California Madonnari artist

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2008 Dawn Wagner California Madonnari artist

Chalk the Walk-2008 Dawn Wagner California Madonnari artist

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2007 Aerial entire street

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2007 Aerial entire street

Chalk the Walk-2007 Aerial entire street

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Chalk the Walk-2006 Stone City

Photo of Chalk the Walk-2006 Stone City

Chalk the Walk-2006 Stone City

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Chalk the Walk, Commercial Historic District, Festivals, Mount Vernon

Nitty Gritty-2017

Photo of Nitty Gritty-2017

Nitty Gritty-2017. 100 block of First Street West during the July 4th festival.

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Festivals, July 4th, Mount Vernon

Nitty Gritty-2017

Photo of Nitty Gritty-2017

Nitty Gritty-2017. The Skillet Cafe was packed during the July 4th celebration. Owners are Fran … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Festivals, July 4th, Mount Vernon

Nitty Gritty-2017

Photo of Nitty Gritty-2017

Nitty Gritty-2017 Visitors trying out chairs from Make It Old Iron at the July 4th … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Festivals, July 4th, Mount Vernon

Nitty Gritty-2018

Photo of Nitty Gritty-2018

Nitty Gritty-2018. Annual July 4th festival

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Festivals, July 4th, Mount Vernon
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