Independence, IA

united states

Independence, a small Iowa city of about 6,100 people, sits along the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Highway 150 runs north-south through town, connecting to Waterloo 20 miles southeast and providing access to Interstate 380 for longer trips to Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. The downtown area features local businesses along First Street East, while the historic Mental Health Institute has operated here since 1873 as a major employer. The 1939 Buchanan County Courthouse displays distinctive Art Deco styling with carved limestone eagles on its facade.