Anamosa, Iowa

Anamosa is a city located in Jones County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 5,494. It is the county seat of Jones County{{GR|6}}.

Landmarks and Industry

Anamosa is home to the Anamosa State Penitentiary, formerly known as the Iowa Mens Reformatory, a medium/maximum security prison that is the largest in Iowa, housing over 1,200 male inmates. It was established in 1872 and constructed from locally quarried white limestone in the style of a castle, inspiring its nickname as "The White Palace of the West". The prison grounds also house the Anamosa State Penitenitiary Museum, which contains artifacts and exhibits on prison life from throughout its history.

Related Topics:
Prison - Limestone

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Motorcycles are a common sight in Anamosa. Since 1979, it has been the birthplace and home of J&P Cycles, a company which sells aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories through catalogs, the internet, and its Anamosa retail showroom. Anamosa is also home to the National Motorcycle Museum, which features many vintage motorcycles, including the only original Captain America bike from the movie Easy Rider.

Related Topics:
Motorcycle - Easy Rider

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Anamosa was the birthplace of the regionalist artist Grant Wood and he was buried there as well in Riverside Cemetery, under a large monument of a recumbent lion. You can purchase reproductions of his work or view a collection of satirical interpretations of his most famous work American Gothic at the Grant Wood Art Gallery on Main Street.

Related Topics:
Grant Wood - Lion - American Gothic

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