WAUKON, the seat of justice for Allamakee County, is situated on a fine rolling prairie, 18 miles southwest from Lansing, and 28 northwest from McGregor on the Mississippi River, in the midst of one of the finest farming districts in the West. Seven unfailing springs welling up through the green turf of the prairie, first brought the emigrant to this spot. These springs still supply the village with water of crystal clearness, and in unstinted abundance; a boon of which the inhabitants are justly proud, and for which they are duly thankful.
The first settlement was made in the fall of 1849 by G. C. Shattuck, who occupied the land now covered by the village. In the spring of 1853 the county seat of Allamakee County was located here by State Commissioners, on account of its central position, handsome site, abundant water, convenient timber, and easy accessibility. The decision of the Commissioners was at once ratified by the people. Since then the place has increased with a healthy growth till now it contains about 900 inhabitants, 10 stores, 5 churches, a fine Court House, College, etc., etc.
The streets are straight, and a large number of shade trees have been planted; the houses are mostly painted white, and with generous gardens, are enclosed by neat fences that gives the whole place a snug and homelike appearance. The first settler was G. C. Shattuck, who came in the fall of 1849; D. W. Adams, and L. T. Woodcock, came in 1853 and built and opened a store; C. J. T. Newel commenced blacksmithing, and A. J. Hersey, a store about the same time; W. R. Pottle, L. O. Hatch, and J. Israel, came a few months after. All these eight first settlers are now living and all living here, including the old pioneer Shattuck.
The chief manufactures are a steam saw-mill, grist mill, agricultural implement manufactory, with blacksmiths, harness makers, shoe makers, etc., etc., to supply the demand of an extensive farming country. The churches are Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic and Dutch Reformed.
Allamakee College, located here, is a fine brick structure, 50x70 feet, three stories high, under the charge of Professor Stone, and has at present about 200 students. This institution furnishes abundant educational facilities for the youth, and attracts a very superior class of settlers to both town and surrounding country. Few western towns are so highly favored in this respect as Waukon. Trade is good and grows with the growth of the country and development of its resources. This location is eminently healthy; its great altitude, pure water and freedom from marshes, exempts the citizens from ague, and purity of the atmosphere is highly favorable to consumptives. The writer of this article, (of a consumptive family,) left Massachusetts twelve years ago, very much debilitated with a cough of three years standing, and now—owing to prairie air and out-door habits—is enjoying robust health.
Altogether, Waukon claims a high place among villages for its beauty of location and taste in improvement, health, educational and religious privileges and general intelligence and morality of the people. It is a most desirable place for a residence for such as do not craws the noise and confusion of the metropolis. (Hair's Iowa State Gazetteer..., 1865)