Population (2010)
Unincorporated
Visitor Information
Fill up on brochures and maps at the Jackson County Welcome Center (60488 State Highway 64; 563.687.2237; open April-October), housed in a replica country school but furnished with authentic 19th-century school-house items.
History
James Clark arrived here in 1839, thus giving the town its early name—Clarkstown; when the railroad arrived, it changed the name to Green Island. During the 1930s, Green Island residents were protected from the worst impact of the Great Depression because of an active stockyard and railroad yards. After World War II, however, employment by the railroads tapered off. The entire town was flooded in 1965, when it had a population of just 97 people.
Exploring the Area
Green Island Wildlife Management Area (Green Island Rd.; 515.281.5918) occupies the quiet backwaters just north of Sabula; it is a good spot for birding and draws few visitors.
Looking for information on other Mississippi River communities? Check out Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the link above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
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If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2009,2019
