Odd tidbits of lost Iowa history fascinate me. Here is one I like--Iowa once had a gold rush.
http://www.iowagold.com/IOWAGOLDPAGES/iowa_gold_where_to_find.htm
from link:
---------
GOLD IN HARDIN COUNTY IOWA
In the spring of 1853, shortly after the organization of the county, John Ellsworth imparted the information to a faithful few that he had discovered gold upon his farm a short distance south of Eldora Iowa. The gold fever, consequent upon the delivery of the precious metal in California, was yet at its height. Prospecting was going on in almost every State in the Union, and dreams of future riches derived from the working of a mine of gold upon their place, took possession of the minds of thousands. Farm operations were neglected in many locations, and with pick and shovel, the farmer went out to search for the gold that was sure to be hid among the rocks on his place.
It was a short time that gold had been discovered in harden county. The press of the country took it up, and the farther from home the news reached, the more marvelous were the stories told and instead of having an Eldora here in Hardin County, it was certain that is was a veritable Eldorado.
Soon the prairie schooners wended their way hither, and during the summer it is estimated that between two and three thousand persons visited the supposed mines, coming here with hopes and leaving very much disappointed. Some would spend a few days in the neighborhood, while others would not remain an hour. Often, it was stated that on arriving within a few miles of the place, the men would stop to inquire the way, and ask after the prospects of the mines. When told that there was probably no gold to be found, they would drive on, swearing that the people here did not want any one to come, but desired to keep all the gold for themselves. On returning with blasted hopes they never thought to stop and apologized for their rude conduct.
