Our Patriotic Rock is in honor of women's service to our country.
The Patriotic Rock at Top of Iowa features the stories of women who served and their varied roles in the military beginning with Frances Clalin Clayton and other brave women who enlisted in the Civil War disguised as men. The Rock was painted by Ray "Bubba" Sorenson, known for his 99-county Freedom Rock Tour.
Blue Star Memorial
Also located on the site is a Blue Star Memorial honoring all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services.
The National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way. The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war as well as in churches and businesses. The Blue Star Memorial was sponsored by the Green Thumb Garden Club in cooperation with the Top of Iowa Welcome Center. |
Historic Markers
Historic Northern Iowa
Learn about how the northern Iowa landscape was influenced by three glacial ice fields, the tall grass prairie that Pioneers traveled through when settling the area and noteworthy Iowans that lived here. Check out Iowa's State Preserves. |
Carrie Lane Chapman Catt
Carrie Lane Chapman Catt began her career as a leader of the women's suffrage movement while she was Superintendent of Schools and newspaper editor in Mason City. She was elected President of the National Woman Suffrage Association, founded the International Woman Suffrage Alliance and the League of Women Voters. To learn more about her life and works, visit her childhood home in Charles City. |