Keokuk's history of enterprise and innovation is nearly as old as the town itself, and was largely shaped by its strategic location along the Mississippi River - just north of its confluence with the Des Moines River. The presence of shallow rapids in this section of the Mississippi made the river unnavigable, necessitating the unloading of goods from barges. These goods were then transported by wagon or railroad to the next navigable section, or sold wholesale in Keokuk. This unique geographic challenge transformed Keokuk into a bustling hub of wholesale commerce and manufacturing.

As the city grew, significant advancements in river and city infrastructure were made. A canal was constructed to facilitate barge passage through the rapids and greatly increased local river traffic. The canal was eventually replaced by a sophisticated lock and dam system, a steamboat dry dock, and a hydroelectric plant. These river improvements vastly changed and expanded Keokuk’s role in manufacturing and commerce. The city invested in state-of-the-art public systems at every opportunity. It expanded its railroads and public transportation and installed world class public utilities, such as a waterworks and gas-light service; whether it was fire fighting equipment, modern telephone and trolley service, or innovative school buildings, early Keokuk was hard at work investing in the tools for a healthy population and economy. These investments led Keokuk to decades of growth and prosperity, and continue to shape its community and economy today.