PASSING THROUGH
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Keeping Iowa history alive
Tyler Sullivan, an Iowa City native, made a return visit to Ringgold County over the weekend as part of a journey to keep history alive in all 99 counties in Iowa.
For the last 10 years, Sullivan has been traveling the state, spending time in parks and local spots of interest. He is documenting each area’s unique history, compiling photos and information on his facebook page, Iowa Scenic Views By Foot, and working a series of regional books showcasing local history and museums.
Sullivan explored the Benton Museum, The Mount Ayr Depot Museum, Kellerton, and the Ellston Pioneer Museum during his visit last Friday.
“How many people that live in Mount Ayr have never been inside here [The Mount Ayr Depot Museum]? You know, it’s people like me who live outside of town to come see it,” remarked Sullivan. “I’m afraid, say in 15, 20 years from now that these museums are going close, they’re going to fade.”
Sullivan’s passion for uncovering Iowa’s special places has now taken him all across Iowa.
The journey first brought him to Ringgold County in 2017. He then returned in August of 2021 to run the Highlander Hustle 5K during Ayr Days after a friend suggested he also run at least a mile in each county.
County by county, Sullivan has spent his weekends going to every city on the Iowa road map and other hidden ones along the way. He runs at least one mile depending on the population of the town. The larger the town, the more he runs.
“So far, I have visited 97 counties out of 99 and I have ran through 1,296 communities across the state,” said Sullivan.
Additionally, his mentor suggested writing a poem for all 99 counties.
“I was like, whew, 99 different poems,” remarked Sullivan.
While he still has several cities and two counties left to visit, he has written over 120 poems since he started. He has also self-published two books.
“I dedicated one book to my grandparents, the other one to my high school coach,” said Sullivan.
His grandmother passed away in 2011 due the lung cancer, and his grandfather passed away in 2019.
“He lived a wonderful life. I used to call him every single night, whether it was five minutes or a half hour, it was just our time to talk about our day,” shared Sullivan.
Sullivan found out the day after his 16th birthday that his high school coach was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“He never cared about the winning, he never cared about the losing, it was about giving your best every single day, and the winning would take care of itself,” said Sullivan. “So that’s why these super small cities, I give it my best effort. People live there. Why shall we leave them out?”
“So to this day, 10 years later, these towns are magical. It’s where people go to church. It’s where they go to school. It’s where they like to grow up,” said Sullivan.
Now down to Humboldt and Harrison counties, he plans to take on Harrison County next year. He also still plans to run in West Des Moines, Boone and Washington.
“Washington will officially be my last city because it’s only 30- 40 minutes from home. That way, my parents can come walk/run with me as I finish on the track,” said Sullivan.
You can connect with Sullivan on his Facebook page “Iowa Scenic Views By Foot,” or email him at iowascenicviewsbyfoot@gmail.com.
