Iowa County, Iowa

Iowa County, Iowa is located in the eastern part of the state and was established on February 17, 1843. It is named after the Iowa River, which runs through the county. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iowa, Sac, and Meskwaki. European explorers, such as French trappers and traders, began to settle in the area in the early 19th century.

The first European American settlers arrived in Iowa County in the late 1830s. The county's first permanent settlement was Marengo, which was established in 1840. The construction of a courthouse soon followed, solidifying Marengo as the county seat. The county quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers, particularly from eastern states like Ohio and New York. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with crops like corn and wheat becoming staples.

In the mid-19th century, Iowa County experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad. The Chicago, Iowa, and Nebraska Railroad, later known as the Chicago and North Western Railway, established lines in the county, connecting it to larger cities and markets. This facilitated the transportation of goods and further spurred economic development. The county's population continued to grow, and by 1900, it exceeded 20,000 residents.

Today, Iowa County is a vibrant and thriving community. Agriculture remains a key industry, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops. In addition to agriculture, the county is also home to manufacturing and retail businesses. The county's rich history is preserved and celebrated through numerous historic sites and museums, including the Pioneer Heritage Museum in Marengo. Iowa County continues to be a place of growth and opportunity for its residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Iowa County, Iowa:

  • 1838: Iowa County was established on February 17, 1838.
  • 1843: The first courthouse was built in Iowa County in 1843.
  • 1845: A second courthouse was constructed in 1845.
  • 1856: The current courthouse was built in 1856 and is located in Marengo.
  • 1878: The Iowa County Historical Society was founded in 1878.
  • 1940s: The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant was established in Middletown during World War II.
  • 1984: The Amana Colonies, a group of seven historic colonies, were designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1994: The Iowa County Freedom Rock was unveiled in 1994 as a tribute to veterans.
  • 2008: A wind farm, the Williams I Wind Farm, was established in Iowa County.
  • 2010: The county celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2010.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Iowa County, Iowa.