Woodbury County, Iowa

Albertson and Company-Rocklin Manufacturing Company Alhambra Apartments Ashby, Atchison A., House Badgerow Building Bailey, George A. and Mary Tinkel, House Belfrage, W.L. and Winnie (Woodford), Farmstead Historic District Boston Block Bruguier, Theophile, Cabin Burkam, Elzy G., House Charles City College Hall Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Combination Depot-Hornick Davidson Building Evans Block Everett School Everist, H. H., House Fourth Street Historic District Grandview Park Music Pavilion Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1355 and Tender 1451 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Knott, Dr. Van Buren, House Leeds Junior High School Lewis System Armored Car and Detective Service Building Martin Hotel Martin, T.S., and Company Mary Elizabeth Day Nursery Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District Morningside College Historic District Motor Mart Building Mount Sinai Temple Municipal Auditorium Mylius-Eaton House New Orpheum Theatre Newton, James P., House and Maid Cottage Oversen, Julius and Anine House Peirce, John, House Rose Hill Historic District Sanford, Arthur and Stella, House Schulein, Ben and Harriet, House SERGEANT FLOYD Sergeant Floyd Monument Simmons Hardware Company Warehouse Sioux City Baptist Church Sioux City Central High School Sioux City Central High School and Central Annex (Boundary Increase) Sioux City Fire Station Number 3 Sioux City Free Public Library Sioux City Linseed Oil Works Sioux City Masonic Temple Sioux City Public Library (Smith Villa Branch) Sioux City Public Library-North Side Branch St. Boniface Historic District St. Thomas Episcopal Church Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Church United States Post Office and Courthouse Warrior Hotel Williges Building Woodbury County Courthouse

Woodbury County, Iowa has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Omaha, Pawnee, and Dakota Sioux. In the 18th century, European settlers began exploring and settling the region. Woodbury County was officially created in 1851, named after Levi Woodbury, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Secretary of the Treasury.

During the mid-19th century, Woodbury County played a significant role in the expansion of the railroad. The construction of the Chicago and North Western Railway and the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad brought economic growth and population influx to the area. Sioux City, the county seat, emerged as a major transportation hub and trading center. The city quickly developed industries such as meatpacking, flour milling, and agriculture.

Woodbury County was deeply impacted by the Civil War, with many of its residents enlisting in the Union Army. The nearby Battle of Floyd, fought in 1862, highlighted the county's strategic location along the western frontier. Throughout the war, Sioux City served as an important supply center and training ground for troops. After the war, the county experienced an agricultural boom, with farmers benefitting from improved transportation networks and increased access to markets.

In the 20th century, Woodbury County continued to grow and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an oil refining industry to the area. The county also became known for its production of corn and soybeans, with agriculture remaining a vital component of the local economy. Today, Woodbury County is a thriving community characterized by its historical significance, agricultural heritage, and economic resilience.
Brief timeline of the history of Woodbury County, Iowa:

  • 1851- Woodbury County is established by an act of the Iowa Territorial Legislature.
  • 1856- The city of Sioux City is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1862- The construction of the first railroad in Woodbury County begins.
  • 1868- The first courthouse in Sioux City is built.
  • 1870- The population of Woodbury County reaches 10,000.
  • 1893- The Sioux City Public Library is established.
  • 1917- The construction of the Sioux City Municipal Auditorium begins.
  • 1933- The construction of the Sioux City Public Museum begins.
  • 1948- The population of Woodbury County reaches its peak at 160,000.
  • 1972- The first Woodbury County Fair is held.
  • 1990- The population of Woodbury County is 105,000.
  • 2003- The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center opens in Sioux City.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Woodbury County, Iowa.