Rock Valley IA: Named after the Rock River which runs through northwest Sioux County in Iowa, in the summer of 1897, the town of Rock Valley was platted by area landowner Col. A.J. Warren and the Chicago – Milwaukee Railroad.
Thanks to the vision and planning of Col. Warren more than a century ago, Rock Valley residents today enjoy beautiful, wide tree-lined streets. Rock Valley has been and still is an aggressive, developing community actively seeking new growth while holding on to its traditional values and friendliness.
A drive through Main Street’s business district provides a glimpse into the past with many of the town’s first buildings still in use. The Warren Hotel which was built in 1883 now houses a law office and Youth Center, and the James Pardon Buildings, built in that same year, now are used for retail stores.
The Pember family pharmacy business is still operating in the building they built in the early 1900’s. The Foppe Pioneer Store built in 1902 and the Schemmer building of 1910, likewise house other retail business today. Due in part to its outstanding general merchandise selection, Rock Valley’s town slogan from the early 1900’s was “The Best Trading Town for Miles Around.”