Water Tank & Windmill

The first trains chugging through Kalona were steam powered. They needed water to operate, just like our cars need gas. Water tanks like this were constructed every 7 miles so the train could fill up before it “ran out of steam.”   Towns formed around train stops with water tanks. Many of these towns (like Kalona) are still alive and thriving today. The Water Tank you see serves as a reminder today of times past along the railroad route.