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There is some debate over the origin of the county name. Some say the
county is named after Allan Makee, an Indian trader and trapper, who was
known by the Winnebago Indians. Other sources say the name is purely of an
Indian origin.
The first county seat was located just northwest of Rossville, at a
place called "The Old Stake." This site was considered useless
as there were other points of greater importance already settled in
Allamakee County.
In April 1851, the voters when to the polls to select a county seat.
The towns Vailsville, Smith's Mill and Columbus were choices. None of them
received a majority of the votes. A second election was held the following
May, with Columbus receiving the most votes. Soon after Columbus was
selected as the county seat, a rivalry developed between Columbus and
Lansing. Due to this a commission was appointed to select the county seat.
The site they selected was Waukon. The choice went to an election. Even
though Columbus fought the decision, the results were overwhelmingly for
Waukon.
A courthouse was built in 1853. It was a small frame structure that
cost $325 to construct. It was used until 1857, when a similar building
was constructed next to it. These two buildings served the county until
1861, when the county seat was moved again.
A heated contest between the towns of Waukon and Lansing developed.
Both towns agreed to build on suitable lots and both towns offered
substantial "rewards" for the county seat. Lansing offered $8000
and Waukon offered $5000 towards the courthouse.
Between 1860-1861, following an election, a $13,000 courthouse was
built in Waukon. The city paid $5000 as promised. Although Waukon had a
courthouse, it was not the county seat. That distinction went to "The
Point". Located between Lansing and Capoli, "The Point"
became the site of a $5000, stone structure courthouse. The cost was paid
by the citizens of Lansing.
In the summer of 1866 the citizens of Waukon attempted to regain the
county seat. A gang of 30 men from Waukon tried to steal the county
records from the courthouse at "The Point." This attempt failed,
but the one in 1867 did not. A 10th county seat election was held. Waukon
won out, after a 25-year long battle.
The present courthouse is of modern design. It was built between 1940
and 1941, and it replaced the $13,000 courthouse built in 1861. The old
courthouse was taken over by the Allamakee County Historical Society; it
now functions as a museum.
- from Allamakee County Courthouse
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