BUCHANAN COUNTY, in the easterly part of Iowa. Area, ------ square miles. Seat of justice, Independence. Pop. in 1850, 517. (Fanning's, 1853)
BUCHANAN, a new county in the N. E. central part of Iowa, has an area of 676 square miles. It is intersected by Wapsipinicon river, and by Buffalo creek, which flow south-eastward. This county has a fertile soil, a healthy climate, and is represented to be well supplied with timber and water. Indian corn, hay, butter, and wool are the staples. In 1850 it produced 13,720 bushels of Indian corn; 4604 of wheat; 6196 of oats, and 546 tons of hay. Capital, Independence. Population, 517. (Baldwin's New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States..., 1854)
BUCHANAN COUNTY Was first settled by Ezra Gr. Allen and Wm. Bennett, in 1842
Independence, the county-seat, was located and settled in the winter of 1846, by Rufus Blelark.
Present population of the town, 500 — of the county, 3000.
No church buildings erected. One is being erected at Independence, and one at Quasqueton.
No newspaper in the county. Two flouring-mills (two burrs each), and two saw-mills, are in operation in the county.
Woollen manufactories most needed, there being none within 40 miles.
Oak timber plenty along the streams, and deep-soiled rolling prairies between the water-courses. The streams are rather rapid, with gravelly or rocky beds. Limestone abundant. Soil generally rich sandy loam. (Iowa As It Is in 1855; A Gazetteer for Citizens..., 1855)