Decorah, IA - Cooley-Whitney House

Point of Interest in Decorah, IA

The significance of this house is its architectural combination of the Italianate and Neoclassical styles, and its association with two prominent Decorah bankers. It was designed by local architect H. O. Ball, and built in 1867 by Wilson, Robertson & Company, a local contractor. The two-story, brick house features bracketed eaves, a wooden cornice, and a wrap-around bracketed porch. It was built for E. E. Cooley, an attorney who helped establish the First National Bank of Decorah. He was also involved with local politics. After his death in 1895, the house became the home of Lewis B. Whitney. He was the former Winneshiek County Treasurer who was one of the organizers of the National Bank of Decorah.

The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1980. It has been converted into a bed and breakfast.

Map and Info

Winneshiek County, IA


Winneshiek County, IA

Visit our county page and you will find information about our town and county's points of interest, festivals/events and faith community. You also will find stories about the contributions made by farmers/ranchers located throughout our county and of course you will learn about the community organizations that have built and continue to build strong communities (chambers, community groups, and departments, etc) and much more when you visit the Winneshiek County, IA page.