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Icarian Colony Historic Marker: A Utopian Dream in Iowa

Discover the story of a French utopian colony in Iowa. Visit the Icarian Colony Historic Marker near Corning and step back in time.

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The Icarian Colony Historic Marker in Corning, Iowa, commemorates a unique 19th-century utopian community founded by French immigrants. Established in the 1850s, the Icarian Colony sought to create a society based on communal living and shared prosperity. The marker serves as a reminder of this ambitious endeavor and the diverse cultures that have contributed to the American story.

A brief summary to Icarian Colony Historic Marker

Local tips

  • Visit the Adams County House of History in Corning for more information and artifacts related to the Icarian Colony.
  • Explore the nearby French Icarian Village, a living history site with replicas of the original colony's buildings.
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil surroundings and reflect on the ideals and challenges faced by the Icarian settlers.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Icarian Colony Historic Marker by car, start in Corning, Iowa. Head east on U.S. Highway 34. The marker is located a few miles east of Corning on Highway 34. Look for the historical marker at the intersection of U.S. 34 and Mulberry Avenue. Ample street parking is available nearby. There are no parking fees.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Icarian Colony Historic Marker using public transportation, check local bus services in Corning, as service may vary. If there is public bus service available, find a route that takes you towards 2nd St. From the nearest bus stop on 2nd St, you can walk south toward Grant St, where the marker is located. Be advised that public transportation schedules may not be frequent, so plan your trip accordingly.

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Discover more about Icarian Colony Historic Marker

The Icarian Colony Historic Marker, located near Corning, Iowa, marks the spot of an ambitious social experiment. In the mid-19th century, followers of French utopian thinker Étienne Cabet sought to establish a communal society based on his principles. These Icarians, as they were known, envisioned a world of equality and cooperation, far removed from the societal ills of Europe. Arriving in the United States in 1848, the Icarians initially faced hardship and setbacks in Texas and Illinois before finding a more permanent home in Iowa. In 1860, a group of 235 Icarians purchased land in Adams County, east of Corning, where they built a village with communal living spaces, a central dining hall, and a schoolhouse. The colony strived for self-sufficiency, with members working together in agriculture and various trades. Despite their lofty ideals, the Icarian colony faced internal divisions and economic challenges. Over time, disagreements arose regarding governance, women's rights, and the role of individualism within the community. The original colony eventually dissolved, but a splinter group continued the experiment for several more years. The Corning Icarian Colony stands as one of the longest-lived non-religious communal living experiments in American history, lasting until 1898. Today, visitors to the Icarian Colony Historic Marker can learn about this fascinating chapter of American history. The marker provides insights into the colony's origins, its ideals, and its ultimate fate. While little remains of the original settlement, the marker serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human quest for a better world.

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