14 This was one of the earliest towns of Van Buren County, laid out in 1837, directly across the river from Bentonsport. On June 29, 1837 a license was issued for a ferry to run between Bentonsport & Vernon. It operated 7 days a week from daylight to dusk. In 1868, a second ferry was added, making this the only location on the Des Moines River with 2 operating ferries. The iron truss bridge was built in 1883 and served vehicular traffic until the bridge was closed in 1985 when the new bridge was constructed up river. Vernon is home to the studio (photo) of the late renowned water-color artist, Wendell Mohr. V E R N O N Phil Stong, famed author of “State Fair”, was born here and his father operated the general store. The Pittsburg Cemetery is the burial site of Voltaire Twombly, the first Iowan to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Civil War. P I T T S B U R G Located W. of Keosauqua at the junction of J40 and V64. In 1878, the community was thriving. Today it is home to Old Order Amish families who moved here in the 1960s. Many are skilled in carpentry and woodworking. You will also find greenhouses, small engine repair, and fresh produce, just to name a few. You are welcome to stop at the businesses during normal business hours but the Amish do not conduct business on Sunday. The Amish have their own schools (one is located at the Lebanon junction), shun electricity and modern conveniences including photographs. If you are passing by an Amish home, admire them for their dedication to a simple way of life, but please respect their beliefs and do not take their photo. L E B A N O N M T. S T E R L I N G Mt. Sterling was platted in 1853 as has been known as Wood’s Mill, Union Corners, and Gwinnupsburg, but is most popularly known by its nickname “Dog Town.” Mt. Sterling hit national and international fame in 2003 when the late Jo Hamlett, then mayor, proposed a “No Lying Ordinance” for the town which regularly hosts hunters and fisherman. In fact, Mt. Sterling has nearly 3,000 acres of public wetlands and hunting grounds, on which nearly 100 different species of wild life have been observed including ducks, geese, swans, turkey, deer, pheasant, quail, otters, and eagles. 319-293-7111 / 800-868-7822 Discover the Forgotten Villages of Van Buren County. Travel in the footsteps of Iowa’s first pioneers. The Van Buren County Historic Preservation Commission has located these settlements and commemorated each with a plaque marker. Each plaque has historical facts on it about the Forgotten Village it marks. Want to add some additional excitement to your Forgotten Village quest? There are now a series of 36 Geocaches that coincide with the Forgotten Villages! The map/brochure is available at the Welcome Center and at villagesofvanburen.com FORGOTTEN VILLAGES / GEOCACHING T H E V I L L A G E S