Bordering the Des Moines and Mississippi Rivers in southeast Iowa, Keokuk owes its very existence to the fact that it is a river gateway. In fact, it is known throughout the region as "The Gate City", evidenced by the name of its local newspaper, the Daily Gate City, established in 1847.
Founded by people who had the foresight to create a method of bypassing the dangerous rapids of the two rivers, the city has thrived not only because of the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers, but by the establishment of rail, highway, and air services, creating a hub of commerce.
Keokuk is indeed the "gateway" to Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and the world.
Click map for larger interactive image.
(courtesy of Google Maps)
Return to Keokuk