Wapello County, Iowa
Administration Building, U.S. Naval Air Station Ottumwa
Agassiz School
B'nai Jacob Synagogue
Benson Block
Big 4 Fair Art Hall
Burlington Depot
Chief Wapello's Memorial Park
Court Hill Historic District
Dahlonega School #1
Dibble House
Eldon Carnegie Public Library
Fifth Street Bluff Historic District
First National Bank
Foster/Bell House
Garner, J.W., Building
Greater Second Street Historic District
Historic Railroad District
Hofmann Building
Hotel Ottumwa
Jay Funeral Home
Jefferson Street Viaduct
Mars Hill
McHaffey Opera House
North Fellows Historic District
Ottumwa Cemetery Historic District
Ottumwa Public Library
Ottumwa Young Women's Christian Association
St. Joseph Hospital Historic District
U.S. Post Office
Vogel Place Historic District
Wapello County Courthouse
American Gothic - The Painting
Charles M. Martin
Chief Hard Fish / Eddyville Historic Site Marker
Civil War Memorial
Curtis King
Doodlebug
Dragoon Trail Historical Site Marker No. 4
Gerald W. Fackler
Grant Wood's Impact
J P Strother
McHaffey Opera House
Ottumwa Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial
The American Gothic House
The Artist, Grant Wood
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
The county was officially established in 1844 and was named after Wapello, a prominent Meskwaki chief. It quickly grew as more settlers moved into the area, attracted by fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The establishment of coal mines and the construction of railroads in the late 19th century further fueled the area's development, leading to rapid population growth and industrialization.
By the early 20th century, Wapello County had become a thriving center of coal mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, like many other communities in the region, it was hit hard by the Great Depression in the 1930s. The decline of coal mining and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector had a significant impact on the county's economy.
In recent years, Wapello County has experienced efforts to diversify its economy and promote economic growth. The county has seen investments in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Today, Wapello County continues to be an important hub for the region, with a strong agricultural sector, a growing healthcare industry, and a proud heritage that is celebrated through various historical sites and events.
Brief timeline of the history of Wapello County, Iowa:
- 1843: Wapello County is established as a county in Iowa.
- 1844: Ottumwa, the county seat, is founded.
- 1855: The first courthouse in Ottumwa is built.
- 1861-1865: Wapello County residents serve in the American Civil War.
- 1877: The first railroad, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Minnesota Railway, is built in the county.
- 1901: Ottumwa experiences a severe flood.
- 1916: The Greater Ottumwa Park is officially opened.
- 1976: The Wapello County Historical Museum is established.
- 2008: The Great Iowa Flood causes significant damage in Ottumwa and Wapello County.
- 2017: The renovation of the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa is completed.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wapello County, Iowa.