Hardin County

Hardin County was formed in 1851. It was named after Colonel John J. Hardin, who died in the Mexican-American War.

In its history the county has had three courthouses. The first was a small wood framed building, which burned down in the 1850s. The second courthouse was a two-story building and stood on the site of the current office of the county sheriff. The third andpresent courthouse was constructed in 1892 and opened on September 19, 1893. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The county seat is Eldora.

- Photo by Bob Kelly

- Photo by Bob Kelly

- Photo by Bob Kelly

Zion Lutheran Church located in the beautiful rural countryside 6 miles north of Radcliff, Iowa
Photo by Bob Kelly

Photo by Bob Kelly

RAGBRAI riders waking up in Hardin county ready to move on to Blackhawk County.
Photo by Iowa Deputy Sheriffs

 In the vicinity of Eldora, along highway 20, one crosses over the Iowa River on a spectacular one mile long bridge. The view is incredible anytime, but on this trip the hills were on fire with color. I even fired a shot out my passenger side window as I was slowly and carefully crossing the bridge! (no traffic behind me).
Photos by Bob Kelly