Additional information
by Jeffrey S. Meyer (Author), John R. Hendrickson (Author)
From its earliest years, Mount Pleasant was known as the Athens of Iowa: a small town with a big story and a center of learning and culture. Even during the town's pioneer era, the citizens of Mount Pleasant championed education, establishing numerous schools and a college. Progressive ideals, including abolitionism and women's education, took root. As the home of Sen. James Harlan, an important ally of Abraham Lincoln, the city emerged as a bastion of support for the president. During the hardship of the Civil War, the community took up a second cause, becoming the location of the state mental health asylum. The drive for the improvement of life only increased, bolstered by the city's numerous schools, churches, and most importantly a spirit of community.
Author Biography
Jeffrey Meyer and John Hendrickson both share lifelong interests in history. Meyer holds master's degrees in archaeology and library science, and he serves as the director of the Mount Pleasant Public Library. Hendrickson holds a master's degree in history, and he teaches American history and government at Iowa Wesleyan University. A great many of the images contained within this volume are archived at the Henry County Heritage Trust and the Mount Pleasant Public Library.
