As a tour guide, Ill take you back in time to the Icarian Colony Historic Marker in Corning, Iowa. Picture this - its 1852 and Frenchman Etienne Cabet has just established one of the longest-lived non-religious communal experiments in American history here. Imagine a place where people from all walks of life come together to create a utopian community, sharing work, resources, and ideas.

Now, let your imagination take flight as we explore the remnants of this historic site. The great hall and schoolhouse from 1860 have been rebuilt as a living history site near Corning, Iowa. As you step into the hall, feel the weight of history on your shoulders – its as if you can hear the echoes of laughter, whispers of secrets shared among friends, and the clatter of utensils during communal meals in this very building.

Even though the marker claims there are no remaining structures from the colony, it seems that at least one remains - the refectory. As you wander through its hallowed halls, you can almost taste the bread baked by Icarian hands and see the steam rise from their communal pots of stew.

Sadly, the Icarian Colony experiment ended in 1898 when the last member passed away. But thanks to state and federal grants, efforts are being made to restore the site so that future generations can learn about this fascinating chapter in American history.

So come along, dear traveler, as we step back into time at the Icarian Colony Historic Marker in Corning, Iowa – a place where people dared to dream of a better world and create a living testament to their ideals.