Take your Iowa vacation in the southeastern part of Iowa and visit the historic community of Bentonsport. This village was an important part of the development of the region because of its position on the Des Moines River. Here the steamboats could land, drop off their passengers and freight, pick up others and go on down the river. In the 1800’s this was the method of bringing not only products but people to the region to open businesses, farm and work the area in other manners.Many of the buildings that are standing in Bentonsport today were built during the 1800’s. Some by the Mormons that were moving west and others that lived in the area. The craftsmanship of the construction is what has had these buildings withstand the floods and years to offer shelter and a place of business for those that have come after.The Bentonsport National Historic District village was also a stop-over for the Underground Railroad. Helping to protect and transport the slaves was critical to the effort of so many in the southeastern region of the state. Many of the communities were involved in the transportation and protection of the slaves striving to reach freedom.The community offers a great way to come and see how things used to be done. You can watch the artists that now call it home create their works of art. You can stay in the Manson Inn which was built in 1846 and truly take a step back in time.