text:
Fort Dodge, Iowa

Fort Dodge is a city in and the county seat of Webster County, Iowa, United States, along the Des Moines River. The population was 24,871 in the 2020 census, a decrease from 25,136 in 2000. Fort Dodge is a major commercial center for North Central and Northwest Iowa. It is located on U.S. Routes 20 and 169.

History
Fort Dodge traces its beginnings to 1850 when E Company of the 6th Infantry were sent from Fort Snelling to erect and garrison a fort at the junction of the Des Moines River and Lizard Creek. It was originally named Fort Clarke but was renamed Fort Dodge because there was another fort with the same name in Texas. It was named after Henry Dodge, a governor of Wisconsin Territory (which had included Iowa until Iowa became a state in 1846). The fort was abandoned by the Army in 1853.

The next year William Willams, a civilian storekeeper in Fort Dodge, purchased the land and buildings of the old fort. The town of Fort Dodge was founded in 1869. In 1872 the long and continuing history of gypsum production in Iowa started when George Ringland, Webb Vincent, and Stillman T. Meservey formed the Fort Dodge Plaster Mills to mine, grind, and prepare gypsum for commercial use. The Company constructed the first gypsum mill west of the Mississippi River, at the head of what is now known as Gypsum Creek.

In 2018, Kris Patrick, Executive Director of Fort Dodge Main Street, stated that Fort Dodge is locally referred to as "Little Chicago" because architects modeled downtown buildings to resemble Chicago in the mid-1900s.

Geography
Fort Dodge is located at 42.50694°N, -94.18056°W (42.506803, −94.180271), on the Des Moines River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.31 sqmi, of which 16.05 sqmi is land and 0.26 sqmi is water.

Climate
Fort Dodge has a Humid continental climate with cold winters and hot humid summers.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 25,206 people, 10,275 households, and 5,850 families residing in the city. The population density was 1570.5 PD/sqmi. There were 11,215 housing units at an average density of 698.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90% White, 5.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population.

There were 10,275 households, of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.5% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.1% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,136 people, 10,470 households, and 6,376 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,726.1 PD/sqmi. There were 11,168 housing units at an average density of 766.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.47% White, 3.79% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.30% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.94% of the population.

There were 10,470 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.94.

Age spread: 24.3% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,361, and the median income for a family was $42,555. Males had a median income of $31,253 versus $23,360 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,018. About 7.7% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.2% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The major industries of Fort Dodge are biofuels, livestock feed, gypsum and limestone mining, can production, drywall manufacturing, trucking, the manufacture of veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and retail.

Gypsum rock is processed into drywall and plaster products at several Fort Dodge manufacturing facilities. Drywall was patented by a Fort Dodge resident, and the gypsum used to create the Cardiff Giant hoax of the late 19th century was mined at Fort Dodge. Currently National Gypsum Company, Georgia Pacific Corporation, Celotex Corporation (now CertainTeed corporation) and the United States Gypsum Company operate gypsum facilities in and around Fort Dodge.

Fort Dodge is the home of Fort Dodge Animal Health (a division of Boehringer Ingelheim), a major producer of pharmaceuticals and vaccines for veterinarian use. The company's headquarters were moved from Fort Dodge to Overland Park, Kansas in 1995. Two of the company's three United States manufacturing plants are located in Fort Dodge.

At least three major national trucking companies (primarily flatbed carriers serving the drywall industry) are based in Fort Dodge. The city also serves as a retail center for North-Central Iowa.

For most of the 20th century, meatpacking was a major industry in Fort Dodge. The last two large meatpacking plants (owned by Iowa Beef Processors and Hormel) closed during the 1980s, when such companies moved their facilities closer to beef production in western states such as the Dakotas. One of the laboratories of Fort Dodge Animal Health was built on the site of a former Hormel processing plant.

The Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, a 1,250-bed medium-security state prison, opened in 1998.

Historical
The Fort Museum and Frontier Village is located on the southwest edge of Fort Dodge. It is a full-scale recreation of a military outpost on the prairie from the 19th century. It also features a reconstructed village from the same time period. Additionally, The Fort Museum has a replica of the Cardiff Giant, an archaeological hoax sculpted from gypsum mined at Fort Dodge. A "Frontier Days" event is held annually on the Fort Museum grounds. It features a parade, beauty pageant, historical reenactments, a buckskinner camp, and live entertainment. 2014 marked the 40th year of the event. Not all portrayals of early history at the Fort Museum are historically accurate and the facility is intended to be more of a tourist attraction as opposed to an actual museum.

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum, the first public museum of art in the state of Iowa, is located in the historic Oak Hill district of Fort Dodge. The Blanden opened June 5, 1932. The permanent collection on display includes European and American artists prints, sculptures and paintings. The museum also offers art classes for children and adults.

Music
Fort Dodge maintains several music organizations, including a civic choral society, a city-funded municipal band, regional symphony orchestra, a Christian choral union, and a men's barbershop chorus. In 1896, the famous composer Edvard Grieg composed a piece entitled "Impromptu to Grieg Men's Chorus in Fort Dodge, Iowa."

Shellabration is an annual rock concert held in late July/early August at the Oleson Park Music Pavilion, featuring nationally touring rock groups. Previous performing bands include Styx, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The Lizard Creek Blues Society sponsors an annual blues festival, "Blues Under the Trees", every summer, drawing blues musicians from all over the United States.

Fort Dodge has most recently been named the "Live Music Capital of Iowa." It is home to various live music venues hosting a variety of local aspiring artists and bands.

Fort Dodge Choir Boosters (affiliated with Fort Dodge Senior High School) hosts the annual "Fort Dodge Choral Festival", which features high school and college choirs from around the upper Midwest under the direction of a nationally recognized conductor/composer.

Fort Dodge Senior High School serves as a host location for the Iowa State Marching Band Festival, State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival, and regional high school jazz band competitions.

Theater
Theater and musical theater are historically popular arts activities in Fort Dodge, with the community maintaining three independent theater organizations. Hawkeye Community Theatre puts on six full-length productions a year of varied genre. Comedia Musica Players is a civic musical theater troupe that produces an annual musical each fall. Stage Door Productions provides theater training and performance opportunities for middle school, high school, and college-aged students during the summer. It produces one small-cast (10 or fewer) play per year.

The two local high schools and the community college produce a student-cast musical each Spring. The Fort Dodge Senior High School musical is the longest-running high school musical theater tradition in the United States, first produced in 1927.

Parks and recreation
Oleson Park has woods and hiking trails. The town's recently restored band shell is located here.

Snell-Crawford Park (located at Williams Drive and 12th Avenue North) is a local favorite for weekend recreation. It has a disc golf course, three sand volleyball courts, a jogging/walking/bicycling trail, picnic tables, and grills. Soldier Creek runs through the park.

Rosedale Rapids, the city's new multimillion-dollar aquatic center, opened north of the roundabout intersection of 10th Avenue North and North 32nd Street in July 2010. The aquatic center features swimming pools, water slides, and a lazy river.

John F. Kennedy Park is the nearest camping facility to Fort Dodge. It has a large campground, a lake with a swimming beach, a playground, and hiking trails. Lakeside Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole course, is located here.

The 300 acre Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park opened to the public on July 6, 2006. The park is located on abandoned gypsum mines. Plans are in place for the park to be expanded to as much as 1500 acre in the future.

Fort Dodge is a top tubing destination in the state, offering the swift and clear waters of Lizard Creek, solitude on the Des Moines River from Fort Dodge to the Dolliver Memorial State Park, and the nearby lake at Brushy Creek.

The Fort Dodge Country Club par 71 golf course is one of Iowa's top courses.

Woodman Hollow State Preserve lies roughly 7 miles southeast of Fort Dodge.

Fort Frenzy opened east of town in late 2013. It features family-friendly activities such as an arcade, bumper boats, bumper cars, mini golf, go karts, laser tag, skating, and bowling.

Education
Fort Dodge is the home to the central campus of Iowa Central Community College.

Fort Dodge is served by the Fort Dodge Community School District. The public school system includes Fort Dodge Senior High School (9−12), Fort Dodge Middle School (5−8), and several elementary schools. Duncombe Elementary closed briefly in 2015 due to structural issues, and was operating in the former Fair Oaks Middle School. The new building opened in Fall 2018, and serves grades 1–4. Private schools in Fort Dodge include St. Edmond (Preschool−12), Community Christian School (Preschool−8), St Paul Lutheran (Preschool−8), and Harvest Baptist School (K−12).

Fort Dodge has been the location of Iowa High School Athletic Association championship events. Currently, the cross country championships are held at John F. Kennedy Park north of the town. Fort Dodge also hosts the Iowa girls' softball championship tournament at Harlan Rogers Park.

Media

 * AM radio stations
 * 540 KWMT (Three Eagles Communications, news/country/farm) 5 kW day/.2 kW night
 * 1400 KVFD (Three Eagles Communications, news/talk/sports) – 1 kW

 * FM radio stations
 * 88.1 KICB (Iowa Central Community College Broadcasting, "88.1 The Point", alternative rock) – 0.2 kW
 * 89.5 KLFG (Family Radio, "Family Radio", Religious) – 17 kW
 * 91.1 KNSK (Iowa State University/WOI Radio Group, NPR) 100 kW
 * 92.1 KZLB (Three Eagles Communications, "The Eagle", Classic Rock) – 6 kW
 * 94.5 KKEZ (Three Eagles Communications, "Mix 94.5", Hot Adult Contemporary) – 100 kW
 * 96.9 KIAQ (Three Eagles Communications, "Hot Country K97", Country) – 100 kW
 * 99.7 KXFT (Three Eagles Communications, "Sunny 99.7", Adult Contemporary) – 25 kW
 * 105.9 KTLB (Three Eagles Communications, "Hippie Radio", Oldies) – 25 kW

 * Online radio stations
 * Fort Dodge Radio (Fort Dodge Radio, "80's With The 70's Best Rock!")

 * Broadcast television stations
 * KTIN 21, local PBS member station, Iowa PBS network member.
 * A commercial TV station, last known as KVFD-TV, an NBC affiliate, operated on channel 21 from 1953 until 1970 then moved to channel 50. On May 4, 1977, its tower and transmitter were destroyed by a tornado. The owner died before he could rebuild it, and his heirs were not interested in continuing it.  KVFD was never rebuilt and the call letters have been returned to the FCC.  Fort Dodge is served from the television stations in the Ames-Des Moines metro area.

 * Print
 * Fort Dodge Messenger, daily newspaper

Surface transportation
U.S. Route 20 bypasses Fort Dodge to the south, and U.S. 169 skirts the west side of the city; both highways have business routes through town. Iowa Highway 7 has its terminus at the northwest edge of the city.

DART (Dodger Area Rapid Transit) maintains six local bus routes that connect to most commercial, medical, and educational locations on weekdays only.

Jefferson Bus lines serves Fort Dodge with a link to Williams, where travelers can connect to the expanded Jefferson line.

Airport
The Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is located just north of town. It is primarily a general aviation airport.

Health care
Unity Point Hospital, formerly Trinity Regional Medical Center, is Fort Dodge's only hospital.

Sister cities
As of December 13, 2016, Fort Dodge has one sister city:

 * Gjakova, Kosovo

Notable people

 * Lewis Armistead (February 18, 1817 – July 5, 1863), as part of Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg, he led his brigade to the high-water mark of the Confederacy
 * Emil Lewis Holmdahl (1883–1963), American infantryman, machine gunner, soldier of fortune, spy, gun runner, and treasure hunter
 * Lew Anderson (1922–2006), last Clarabell the Clown on Howdy Doody
 * Samuel Z. Arkoff (1918–2002), B movie producer
 * Cathie Beck (1955–present), journalist and writer
 * Suzanne M. Bianchi (1952–2013), sociologist
 * Joan Blaine (1910–1949), actress
 * Scott Bloomquist(1963–present), race car driver
 * Clara Breed (1906–1994), librarian and activist on behalf of Japanese-Americans during World War II
 * Holm O. Bursum (1867–1963), politician for the state of New Mexico
 * Cyrus Clay Carpenter (1829–1898), Governor of Iowa
 * Nick Collison (1980–present), professional basketball player
 * Gene Elston (1922–2015), sportscaster and Baseball Hall of Fame honoree
 * Nate Erdmann (1973–present), professional basketball player
 * Lou Fiene (1884–1964), Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Gene Ford (1912–1970), Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Robert Garrison (1960–2019), sculptor
 * William Greehey (1936–present), businessman and philanthropist born in Fort Dodge and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1954. Founder of Valero Energy, Nustar Energy, and the 2001 recipient of the distinguished Horatio Alger Award
 * Thomas Heggen, author of Mister Roberts, which was made into a Broadway play and a Hollywood film
 * Henry A. Kelly (1934–present), Scholar and research professor at University of California, Los Angeles.
 * Mack Hellings, racing driver
 * Walter Howey, journalist and editor
 * Mary Kelly, artist, social activist, educator and writer
 * Corita Kent, artist, social activist and nun
 * William S. Kenyon, U.S. senator and federal appeals court judge
 * Karl King, conductor
 * Bill Koll (1923–2003), NCAA champion, Wrestling Hall of Fame member
 * Lisa Koll (born 1987), NCAA record holder in 10,000 metres
 * Mitch Krebs, news anchor
 * Richard D. McCormick, director of Wells Fargo & Company
 * John M. Peters, lawyer and legislator
 * Katie Porter, member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 45th congressional district
 * Daniel Rhodes, ceramic artist and author
 * Steve Stark, television producer, president of production, MGM Television
 * Brad Steiger (1936–2018), writer
 * Jeff Struecker, U.S. Army chaplain and author
 * Bill Tilghman, lawman and gunslinger
 * Don Ultang, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer
 * Betsy Warland, poet and writer
 * Dale Warland, choral conductor and clinician
 * Kevin Wickander, MLB player

title: Fort Dodge, Iowa


text:
Gowrie, Iowa

Gowrie is a city in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 952 at the time of the 2020 census. The town has a swimming pool, golf course, athletic stadium, and curb-and-gutter throughout the community.

History
A post office called Gowrie has been in operation since 1871. The city was named after Gowrie, in Scotland.

Gowrie began as a stop on the railroad. It grew in its early years as the Swedish settlers built a local economy which served area farmers. Today, the town has a swimming pool, golf course, athletic stadium, and curb-and-gutter throughout the town.

Historically, its peak was 1970, and at that time the downtown area had the following businesses: (* designate companies still in business) Gowrie Municipal Swimming Pool*, Gowrie Gowrie Youth Center/Skating Rink*, Johnson RediMix, Johnson Sinclair Service, Bruntlett Elevator*, Johnson Lumber Company, Gowrie Dry Clean, Carr's Grocery, Gambles Hardware, Webster-Calhoun Co-op Telephone Co.*, Sunray DX, Palmer and Son's Funeral Home*, Dairy Sweet, Buskee Industries, Gowrie Car Wash, Ranniger's Appliance, Ranniger's Water Care, Imels Clothing, Wendells Appliances, Redman Barber Shop, Erb Law Offices, Dr. Rungee, DDS, Dr. Borgen, MD, Paladium Lanes Bowling Alley, First National Bank, Gowrie Cafe, Palmer Hardware, Hasty's Cafe, Smith's Meat Market, Gowrie Star Theater, Earl Braend Ford, The Canteen, Larson's Phillip 66, Standard Gas Station, VFW, Gowrie Library, Lee Benson Motors*, Pontiac, Jansa TV Repair, Laundromat, Skip's Tap, Lane Barber Shop, The White House Sundry, and The Gowrie News*. Other businesses in town included: Dixon Hatcheries, Hubbard Veterinary Clinic, Lizer Sale barn, Anderson Elevator, Gowrie Municipal Golf Course*, Swanson Florist and Garden Center*, and the COOP.

Geography
Gowrie is located at 42.27972°N, -94.29152°W (42.279715, -94.291520).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.45 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,037 people, 442 households, and 281 families living in the city. The population density was 715.2 PD/sqmi. There were 489 housing units at an average density of 337.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 1.0% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 442 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.4% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 24.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,038 people, 429 households, and 277 families living in the city. The population density was 709.4 PD/sqmi. There were 468 housing units at an average density of 319.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.36% White, 0.19% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 429 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.

24.5% are under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 26.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,136, and the median income for a family was $44,342. Males had a median income of $30,398 versus $20,278 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,348. About 4.0% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Southeast Valley Community School District. Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie is that district's comprehensive high school.

Previously, Gowrie was served by the Prairie Valley Community School District, which formed on July 1, 1993 with the merger of the Cedar Valley Community School District and the Prairie Community School District. In 2023 that district merged into the Southeast Valley district.

Arts and culture
Each year, the town hosts the Gowrie Fourth of July Celebration, which draws thousands of people from around the state for the parade, fireworks, carnival, and bandshell performances. The parade is the longest running consecutive parade in Iowa, beginning in 1873 and continuing each year since. Crowds of 10,000-20,000 are common. Some highlights of the past include a visit by President Richard Nixon's daughter, Patricia, in 1968, the Bill Riley Talent Show for several years, an appearance by the O's Gold Famous 40 Horse Hitch in 1976, and a concert by opera singer Simon Estes in 2011.

Several churches are located in the community, including both Methodist and Lutheran churches. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, a magnificent open-arched structure, was built by hometown business, Johnson Lumber Company, owned by Axel and Carl Johnson, and was completed in March, 1931.

Notable people

 * Darrell Huff, writer
 * Everett Franklin Lindquist, educator and creator of the ACT
 * Ronald H. Lingren, clinical psychologist and member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
 * Carl A. Youngdale, decorated Major general in the United States Marine Corps

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Gowrie, Iowa


text:
Harcourt, Iowa

Harcourt is a city in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 264 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Harcourt was platted in 1881. It was named for William Vernon Harcourt, a British statesman. A post office has been in operation in Harcourt since 1882.

Geography
Harcourt is located at 42.26194°N, -94.17667°W (42.262056, -94.176589).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.00 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 303 people, 131 households, and 85 families living in the city. The population density was 303.0 PD/sqmi. There were 146 housing units at an average density of 146.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 131 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 28.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 340 people, 137 households, and 86 families living in the city. The population density was 592.5 PD/sqmi. There were 149 housing units at an average density of 259.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.53% White, 0.29% African American, 0.88% Native American and 0.29% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.88% of the population.

There were 137 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,212, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $18,854 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,461. None of the families and 3.3% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 4.5% of those over 64.

Education
It is in the Southeast Valley Community School District. Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie is that district's comprehensive high school.

Harcourt was a part of the Southeast Webster-Grand Community School District, established on July 1, 2005, by the merger of the Grand Community School District and the Southeast Webster Community School District. In 2023 the Southeast Webster-Grand district merged into the Southeast Valley district.

It was previously served by the Southeast Webster Community School District, which was formed on July 1, 1991, with the merger of the Central Webster Community School District and the Dayton Community School District.

title: Harcourt, Iowa


text:
Lehigh, Iowa

Lehigh is a city in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 395 at the time of the 2020 census.

Located in a valley, Lehigh is divided in two by the Des Moines River, unusual for such a small town. Originally the two halves of Lehigh were two separate towns. While the town on the west side of the River was always called Lehigh, the east town was called Slabtown, and a piece of history marks the east side's roots––a sign that hangs over the playground with the words "Slabtown Traders," perhaps alluding to the flea market which is held there every summer during Lehigh River Days. The "Slabtown Traders" sign was blown over by a gust of wind in the summer of 2010. It survived several floods while being located on River Street. Lehigh was surrounded by coal mines until the early 20th century and home to a large clay sewer pipe factory until the 1980s. Dolliver State Park, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Woodman Hollow State Preserve are located within a few miles of the town.

History
Lehigh's first settlers, a Mr. Reed and Mr. Wright, set up a steam sawmill on the site in 1855. Originally, the town was named Slabtown because slabs, scrap from the mill, were used in construction. By 1870, there was a Methodist church and a school, and Oliver Tyson had purchased the mill and expanded it, adding a flour mill. Soon after this, Tyson opened a store. The town was later renamed Lehigh, comparing the local coal veins to those of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.

In 1871, W. C. Wilson of Webster City opened a coal mine in Lehigh and formed the Crooked Creek Railroad and Coal Company. The company built a 3-foot gauge rail line from Judd, on the Illinois Central Railroad 8.5 miles south to the mines, including a 370-foot wooden truss bridge across the Des Moines River. The line was later extended to Webster City. By 1894, the company had opened 5 mines, all using longwall mining. The Webster Coal and Land Company operated a mine near Lehigh from 1899 to 1902.

In 1878, Lehigh shipped 5,640 tons of coal. In 1883, 6,887 tons were shipped, in 1884, 9,000 tons. Membership in the United Mine Workers union is a useful measure of the importance of mining. In 1912, Lehigh was home to UMW Local 855 with 64 members (about 6.9% of the 1910 population).

The Crooked Creek railroad was widened to standard gauge in 1880 and a line to Webster City was built in 1886. In 1916, the line was incorporated into the Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railroad, Iowa's longest Interurban line. Diesel traction replaced overhead electric lines in the 1950s and the track was abandoned in 1962.

By 1901, Lehigh was large enough to support a new First National Bank, with an initial capitalization of $25,000. The bank must have been small; in 1910, O. J. Woodward arrived in town to become the cashier, manager and director of the bank.

In addition to coal mines, Lehigh was home to several other industries. The most prominent were brickyards that used the shale of the coal measures as a source of clay to make both brick and drain tile, firing their kilns with local coal. One of these, the Lehigh Brick and Tile company, won the contract to provide paving brick for Dubuque, Iowa in 1896, but suffered a serious fire in late 1897.

In 1901, there were 2 large brickworks in Lehigh, the Corey Pressed Brick Company and the Lehigh Clay Works, which began operation in 1900. In addition, the old Lehigh Brick and Tile works was being rebuilt after the fire. Corey was mining clay from both above and below the coal seam. By 1903, Lehigh Brick and Tile was back in production, the Lehigh and the Campbell brickyard of the Webster city Brick and Tile Company. The Cory plant was primarily a brickworks, while the others primarily produced drainage tile.

Geography
Lehigh is located at 42.35722°N, -94.05139°W (42.357332, −94.051283) on the west bank of the Des Moines River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.15 sqmi, of which 2.09 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 416 people, 205 households, and 118 families residing in the city. The population density was 199.0 PD/sqmi. There were 231 housing units at an average density of 110.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 0.2% African American, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 205 households, of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.4% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.61.

The median age in the city was 49.8 years. 16.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.6% were from 25 to 44; 36% were from 45 to 64; and 21.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 497 people, 223 households, and 130 families residing in the city. The population density was 239.3 PD/sqmi. There were 247 housing units at an average density of 118.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.19% White, 0.40% African American, 0.20% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.20% of the population.

There were 223 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,227, and the median income for a family was $31,458. Males had a median income of $26,484 versus $24,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,816. About 10.5% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.4% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Southeast Valley Community School District. Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie is that district's comprehensive high school.

Lehigh was a part of the Southeast Webster-Grand Community School District, established on July 1, 2005, by the merger of the Grand Community School District and the Southeast Webster Community School District. In 2023 the Southeast Webster-Grand district merged into the Southeast Valley district.

It was previously served by the Southeast Webster Community School District, which was formed on July 1, 1991, with the merger of the Central Webster Community School District and the Dayton Community School District.

Notable persons

 * Hugh Lester, professional soccer player for Liverpool F.C.
 * John Donaldson (pitcher) ended his 30+-year professional baseball career in Lehigh (1949).

title: Lehigh, Iowa


text:
Moorland, Iowa

Moorland is a small town in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 168 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Moorland is located at 42.44222°N, -94.29361°W (42.442108, -94.293661).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.48 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 169 people, 77 households, and 50 families living in the city. The population density was 114.2 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 57.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.4% White and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 77 households, of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 11.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.74.

The median age in the city was 46.1 years. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.3% male and 46.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 197 people, 81 households, and 57 families living in the city. The population density was 197.1 PD/sqmi. There were 83 housing units at an average density of 83.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.48% White, 0.51% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.03% of the population.

There were 81 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,750, and the median income for a family was $51,875. Males had a median income of $32,188 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,051. About 3.7% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.3% of those 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Southeast Valley Community School District. Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie is that district's comprehensive high school.

Moorland was served by the Prairie Valley Community School District, which formed on July 1, 1993 with the merger of the Cedar Valley Community School District and the Prairie Community School District. In 2023 that district merged into the Southeast Valley district.

Government Buildings
The current post office, built in 1991 under President George H. W. Bush, is the only federal government building.

title: Moorland, Iowa


text:
Otho, Iowa

Otho is a city in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 429 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Otho is located at 42.42472°N, -94.14972°W (42.424739, -94.149588).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 542 people, 237 households, and 152 families living in the city. The population density was 1178.3 PD/sqmi. There were 260 housing units at an average density of 565.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 237 households, of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.9% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 42.6 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.2% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.2% male and 47.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 571 people, 240 households, and 155 families living in the city. The population density was 1,281.2 PD/sqmi. There were 245 housing units at an average density of 549.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.20% White, 1.23% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.88% of the population.

There were 240 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.96.

26.3% were under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,318, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $30,179 versus $22,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,907. About 7.2% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Otho is within the Fort Dodge Community School District. Otho residents are zoned to Butler Elementary School. The district's sole secondary schools are Fort Dodge Middle School and Fort Dodge Senior High School.

title: Otho, Iowa


text:
Vincent, Iowa

Vincent is a city in Webster County, Iowa, United States. The population was 130 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Vincent is located at 42.59222°N, -94.01944°W (42.592224, -94.019457).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 174 people, 73 households, and 47 families living in the city. The population density was 669.2 PD/sqmi. There were 73 housing units at an average density of 280.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.3% White, 0.6% Asian, 2.9% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.3% of the population.

There were 73 households, of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.6% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.6% male and 45.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 158 people, 67 households, and 46 families living in the city. The population density was 708.5 PD/sqmi. There were 71 housing units at an average density of 318.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 67 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,500, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $32,143 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,341. About 4.8% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Education
The Eagle Grove Community School District serves children from PreK to 12th grade. The district covers area of Wright, Humboldt, and Webster counties, and serves the communities of Eagle Grove, Thor, Vincent, Woolstock, and the surrounding rural areas.

title: Vincent, Iowa


text:
Buffalo Center, Iowa

Buffalo Center is a city in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 857 at the time of the 2020 census. Its ZIP code is 50424.

History
Buffalo Center was platted in 1892, and was incorporated as a city later that same year. In 1996, Buffalo Center officially became the host community of the newly-formed North Iowa Community School.[4]

Located seven miles south of the Minnesota border, the town was named Buffalo Center because it was midway between the north and south forks of Buffalo Creek. The town was originally built south of the present site and moved north when the Chicago and Iowa Western Railroad set up lines in northern Iowa. It was settled in 1892 on mostly swampy ground, later dredged and tiled. One of the original settlers, Howard Pomeroy, took a mower and mowed through his wheat fields to show where the streets would be, and a hardware store and a blacksmith shop were the first business enterprises in the new town.

Buffalo Center has survived a number of devastating fires, which have ravaged Main Street businesses over and over, and the occasional tornado, as well as several winter storms and blizzards. One of the most severe was the historic Armistice Day blizzard of November 11, 1940, which killed 154 people throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

On August 23, 1897, Buffalo Center became the first school system west of the Mississippi River to be consolidated, and it is believed to be the second one in the nation.

Today, Buffalo Center is a thriving town of about 1000 people. We have a large new community center, our first museum, several new businesses and a K-12 consolidated school that educates students from Buffalo Center, Rake, Lakota and Thompson.

Our 4 July celebration is a well-known all-day holiday which features a 5K, a parade, music in the park, tournaments, games and contests for the kids, and a huge fireworks display. Other annual events include the Winter Gala, Crazy Days, the Firemen's Dance in July, and the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration in December. In 2022, the town had its first ‘Bison Days’ in the end of July. This celebration includes fireworks, a parade, park games, free food, vendors, concert and the famous firemen’s dance and many more activities. The July 4th celebration activities were moved to the last weekend in July for Bison Days.

Buffalo Center has a volunteer fire department along with a volunteer ambulance service.

Geography
Buffalo Center is located at 43.38639°N, -93.94833°W (43.386497, -93.948241).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.07 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 905 people, 405 households, and 242 families living in the city. The population density was 845.8 PD/sqmi. There were 465 housing units at an average density of 434.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.1% White, 0.6% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 2.1% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.0% of the population.

There were 405 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the city was 48.3 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.9% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 30.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 963 people, 432 households, and 269 families living in the city. The population density was 879.3 PD/sqmi. There were 467 housing units at an average density of 426.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.44% White, 0.31% Asian, 1.04% from other races, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.60% of the population.

There were 432 households, out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.70.

19.6% are under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 36.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,694, and the median income for a family was $43,333. Males had a median income of $33,542 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,944. About 6.5% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within the North Iowa Community School District, which was established on July 1, 1996, by the merger of the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota Community School District and the Thompson Community School District.

An independent school district coinciding with the Buffalo township was established after a vote on December 13, 1895. It was renamed in 1897 to the Buffalo Center Consolidated School District. The Buffalo Center Community School District was formed on July 1, 1954, by the merger of five one-room schoolhouse districts, with the establishment of a centralized school approved by the board in August of that year. The Buffalo Center district merged with the Rake Community School District to form the Buffalo Center–Rake district on July 1, 1978. On July 1, 1992, Buffalo Center-Rake merged with the Lakota Consolidated School District to form the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota district, and that district merged with Thompson to form North Iowa in 1996. In March 2024 North Iowa declared to switch do a 4 day school week proposed by superintendent Joe Erickson.

Buffalo Center has a high school, North Iowa Community School, located in the town. It was the first consolidated school west of the Mississippi River. North Iowa Community School consists of students from Buffalo Center, as well as the three surrounding, smaller communities of Lakota, located to the west; Rake, to the north; and Thompson, to the east. The school's mascot is the Bison, which had been Buffalo Center's mascot for many years. At the time of Buffalo Center's merger with Rake in 1978, the Bison had been members of the eight-team North Iowa Conference since the league was founded in 1929. Meanwhile, the Rake High School Tigers, Lakota Eagles, and Thompson Cubs had all belonged to the 11-member State Line Conference. Thompson had been one of the six founding members, along with Ledyard, Swea City, Ringsted, Armstrong, and Burt. Lakota had joined the State Line Conference in 1942, and Rake in 1958. Rake had been the only member of the Conference to not have girls' basketball.

In 2015, North Iowa High School became one of the nine founding members of the Top of Iowa Conference - West.

title: Buffalo Center, Iowa


text:
Lake Mills, Iowa

Lake Mills is a city in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,143 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Lake Mills was platted in part of the northeast quadrant of Center Township in 1869. A gristmill had been built at the site in 1864. Lake Mills was incorporated as a city in 1880.

Geography
Lake Mills is located at 43.41833°N, -93.53194°W (43.418289, -93.532010).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.73 sqmi, of which 2.70 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,100 people, 944 households, and 552 families living in the city. The population density was 777.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,055 housing units at an average density of 390.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.3% African American, 1.0% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.6% of the population.

There were 944 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 45.3 years. 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 23.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,140 people, 957 households, and 580 families living in the city. The population density was 821.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,010 housing units at an average density of 387.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.36% White, 0.05% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.64% of the population.

There were 957 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.78.

21.9% were under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,723, and the median income for a family was $50,345. Males had a median income of $31,898 versus $25,094 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,155. About 6.0% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.7% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Lake Mills Community School District operates local public schools.

Notable people

 * Terry Branstad (born 1946), Governor of Iowa
 * Selmer Jackson (1888 – 1971), American stage, film, and television actor; appeared in nearly 400 films
 * Cody Nickson (born 1985), Marine/Air Force Veteran, Big Brother contestant, Season 19, and The Amazing Race, Season 30 Winner.
 * Wallace Stegner (1909–1993), historian, writer, Pulitzer Prize winner in 1971
 * Mike Stensrud (born 1956), NFL player 1979–1989

title: Lake Mills, Iowa


text:
Leland, Iowa

Leland is a city in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 249 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Leland was platted in 1887, and named for one of its founders, John D. Leland. Leland was incorporated as a city in 1894.

Geography
Leland is located at 43.33361°N, -93.6375°W (43.333668, -93.637435).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.36 sqmi, of which 1.33 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 289 people, 119 households, and 76 families residing in the city. The population density was 217.3 PD/sqmi. There were 127 housing units at an average density of 95.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.4% White, 1.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 2.4% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.5% of the population.

There were 119 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.1% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 40.8 years. 25.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.7% were from 25 to 44; 32.6% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.6% male and 47.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 258 people, 110 households, and 75 families residing in the city. The population density was 168.2 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 76.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.12% White, 0.78% Native American, 1.55% Asian, 0.78% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.49% of the population.

There were 110 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,000, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $29,250 versus $21,406 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,175. About 2.8% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
Residents are part of the Forest City Community School District.

Popular culture
Leland is the subject of a song by Kevin Costner & Modern West.

Notable person

 * Terry E. Branstad (born 1946) United States Ambassador, formerly the 39th and 42nd Governor of Iowa.

title: Leland, Iowa


text:
Rake, Iowa

Rake is a town in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 186 at the time of the 2020 census. Its ZIP code is 50465.

History
Rake was platted in 1900. The community was named after Andrew Danielson Rake, a pioneer citizen of the area.

Geography
Rake is located at 43.48333°N, -93.91944°W (43.483451, -93.919498).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.81 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 225 people, 102 households, and 58 families living in the town. The population density was 277.8 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 144.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.1% White, 0.4% Native American, 7.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.6% of the population.

There were 102 households, of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.1% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the town was 41.7 years. 19.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 21.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 53.8% male and 46.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 227 people, 110 households, and 53 families living in the town. The population density was 225.3 PD/sqmi. There were 119 housing units at an average density of 118.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.51% White, 1.76% Native American, 5.73% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.93% of the population.

There were 110 households, out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.8% were non-families. 44.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,375, and the median income for a family was $33,750. Males had a median income of $25,357 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,816. About 7.7% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 26.2% of those 65 or over.

Education
Rake is located within the North Iowa Community School District, which was established on July 1, 1996, by the merger of the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota Community School District and the Thompson Community School District. The Rake Community School District had consolidated with the Buffalo Center Community School District on July 1, 1978, to form the Buffalo Center–Rake district. On July 1, 1992, that district merged with the Lakota Consolidated School District to form the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota district, and that district merged into North Iowa in 1996.

title: Rake, Iowa


text:
Scarville, Iowa

Scarville is a city in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 74 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Scarville was platted in 1899, and incorporated as a city in 1904. The city was named for Ole Scar, a local landowner.

Geography
Scarville's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.470519, -93.616480.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.08 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 72 people, 36 households, and 18 families living in the city. The population density was 900.0 PD/sqmi. There were 40 housing units at an average density of 500.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 1.4% Native American, and 1.4% Asian.

There were 36 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.0% were non-families. 47.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 41 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 41.7% male and 58.3% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 97 people, 41 households and 25 families living in the city. The population density was 997.4 PD/sqmi. There were 42 housing units at an average density of 431.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.88% White and 4.12% Native American.

There were 41 households, of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.

32.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median household income was $40,139 and the median family income was $38,750. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,949. There were 6.3% of families and 6.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including 6.7% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The Lake Mills Community School District operates local public schools.

Scarville Lutheran School is a Christian elementary school of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Scarville.

title: Scarville, Iowa


text:
Thompson, Iowa

Thompson is a city in Winnebago County, Iowa, United States. The population was 495 at the time of the 2020 census.

Thompson is home to the Winnebago County Fair, held annually, various agricultural businesses, a public outdoor swimming pool, the Thompson Museum, and Bethany Lutheran Church, built in 1902.

History
Thompson was platted in 1892. It was incorporated as a city in 1894.

A post office opened in 1890, and rural carrier service was established in 1904.

The Thompson Courier began publication in 1894, and is still in business. In 1938, the paper expanded operations with the purchase of the Rake Register, becoming the Thompson Courier and Rake Register.

Thompson's first telephone switchboard was installed in the home of Dr. G.M. Lee in 1894. Groups of farmers joined together to establish their own small phone companies, and 12 systems shared the town's joint switchboard and party lines. By the 1940s, the Switchboard Company had purchased its own building, and the Thompson Telephone Company and Thompson Telephone Cooperative were formed. In 1951, the local Rural Electrification Association released a movie featuring several Thompson residents, who described the struggles for adequate phone service in Winnebago County, until a federal Rural Electrification Administration telephone loan finally enabled the Winnebago Cooperative Telephone Association to provide modern dial service.

The Thompson Cooperative Creamery was chartered in 1897. The creamery consolidated the earlier milk station operations at Amund corner, Vinje, and three other locations, which used large volume separators to skim off cream. Cooling and churning were powered by a steam boiler until electricity was installed.

The Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company formed in 1907, as farmers were dissatisfied with the prices received at the three independent grain elevators.

The Thompson Fire Department built its fire hall in 1925.

Thompson was without a bank for over a year after the First National Bank shut its doors on June 26, 1932, and the State Bank of Thompson and First National Bank of Thompson failed. The Peoples State Bank opened in Thompson on August 1, 1933.

The Thompson Public Library was established in 1937-1938, as a civic improvement project by the Thompson Study Club. The library was located in the Town Hall for 45 years. The library moved into a remodeled section of the fire station in 1983.

In 1938, the Winnebago Rural Electric Cooperative was established. The first section of lines was energized on January 3, 1940.

A large cement grain elevator was built in 1950, and an even larger cement elevator in 1967.

The landmark Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad depot on Main Street burned to the ground on February 26, 1963. The railroad brought in a small structure which served as its replacement until the line shut down in 1980.

On October 30, 1974, Peoples State Bank was robbed by three unmasked men. An abandoned getaway car was found on a gravel road about six miles from town, but the robbers were never apprehended.

One of the worst fires in Thompson's history occurred on December 22, 1980, and destroyed about half of the Main Street business block, including the Branding Iron Supper Club, which moved into a new building.

In 1983, one of the cement grain elevators ruptured, and was demolished.

During the 2020 Covid pandemic, 79 Thompson area businesses received CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Geography
Thompson is located at 43.36944°N, -93.77167°W (43.369562, -93.771765).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.88 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 502 people, 236 households, and 141 families residing in the city. The population density was 570.5 PD/sqmi. There were 285 housing units at an average density of 323.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.6% White, 1.0% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 236 households, of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the city was 44 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 29.4% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 596 people, 261 households, and 169 families residing in the city. The population density was 681.3 PD/sqmi. There were 278 housing units at an average density of 317.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.34% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.67% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.51% of the population.

There were 261 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.76.

23.5% were under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,868, and the median income for a family was $39,688. Males had a median income of $27,727 versus $21,630 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,919. About 8.4% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The independent school district of Thompson was incorporated in 1894. Thompson High School graduated its first class in 1900, and its last class in 1989. Thompson's horse drawn school bus was replaced by a motorized school bus in 1909.

Thompson is now within the North Iowa Community School District, which was established on July 1, 1996, by the merger of the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota Community School District and the Thompson Community School District. There was a Buffalo Center School District that merged with the Rake School District to form the Buffalo Center-Rake district on July 1, 1978. On July 1, 1992, that district merged with the Lakota School District to form the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota district, and that district merged into North Iowa in 1996.

Agriculture & business
Linden Hill, a small CSA (community sponsored agriculture) farm and farm stand, produces vegetables, honey and herbs.

In 2021, Ovation Farms, a former Rembrandt Foods farm, was acquired by Iowa Cage-Free, part of the Versova family of companies. The 240-acre farm "houses one million cage-free hens and pullets", a feed mill, and an egg processing plant.

Horswell Potato Farms, established in 1953, sold potatoes to Midwestern chain stores. It was one of the first farms to wash its potatoes and package them in consumer sized bags. The farm also grew sugar beets, The operation was sold in 1968.

Between 1979 and 2019, 223 recipients in the Thompson zipcode, 50478, received a total of $37,500,717 in farm subsidy payments.

Businesses serving travelers include the Branding Iron Restaurant, Bucket's Bar and Grill, Hometown Market, and a car wash.

Notable people

 * Clifford Branstad, politician
 * Judy Klemesrud, journalist

title: Thompson, Iowa


text:
Calmar, Iowa

Calmar is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,125 at the 2020 census. It is at the junction of U.S. Route 52 and State highways 150 and 24, with both state routes terminating in Calmar.

History
Calmar was platted in 1854. It was named after Kalmar, a city in Sweden.

The settlement experienced growth in 1868 when the railroad was built through it. Calmar was incorporated on July 14, 1869.

Geography
Calmar is located at 43.18194°N, -91.86639°W (43.182054, -91.866446).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.07 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 978 people, 444 households, and 252 families living in the city. The population density was 914.0 PD/sqmi. There were 492 housing units at an average density of 459.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 444 households, of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.9% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.2% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 34.9 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.7% were from 45 to 64; and 13.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,058 people, 452 households, and 269 families living in the city. The population density was 1,006.8 PD/sqmi. There were 482 housing units at an average density of 458.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.87% White, 0.19% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.19% Asian, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.47% of the population.

There were 452 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 14.7% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $50,063. Males had a median income of $29,875 versus $21,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,958. About 3.4% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Calmar is home to one of two campuses of Northeast Iowa Community College.

The community is within the South Winneshiek Community School District. South Winneshiek High School is in Calmar. Its elementary and middle schools are in Ossian.

CFS Catholic School formed as a consolidation of Catholic schools in Calmar, Festina, and Spillville. Prior to fall 2020 its campuses are St. Aloysius Center in Calmar and St. Wenceslaus Center in Spillville. In 2019 CFS and St. Theresa of Calcutta in Ossian announced plans to consolidate into a single school, with the Calmar campus closing. Beginning fall 2020 the Ossian campus will house grades K-2 and middle school while the Spillville campus will house grades 3-4.

Notable person

 * John Brayshaw Kaye - poet and former mayor of Calmar

title: Calmar, Iowa


text:
Castalia, Iowa

Castalia is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 145 at the 2020 census.

History
The railroad was built through Castalia in 1864. Castalia was incorporated in 1902.

Geography
Castalia is located at 43.11222°N, -91.67722°W (43.112261, -91.677256).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 173 people in 82 households, including 49 families, in the city. The population density was 298.3 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 144.8 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2%.

Of the 82 households 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 35.4% of households were one person and 18.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.71.

The median age was 48.6 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 35.2% were from 45 to 64; and 20.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 175 people in 79 households, including 48 families, in the city. The population density was 243.0 PD/sqmi. There were 81 housing units at an average density of 112.5 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 95.43% White, 2.29% from other races, and 2.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.00%.

Of the 79 households 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 30.4% of households were one person and 11.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.69.

The age distribution was 19.4% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.6 males.

The median household income was $30,417 and the median family income was $25,833. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,228. About 21.7% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those sixty five or over.

Education
The community is within the South Winneshiek Community School District.

title: Castalia, Iowa


text:
Decorah, Iowa

Decorah is a city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 7,587 at the time of the 2020 census. Decorah is located at the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Route 52, and is the largest community in Winneshiek County.

History
Decorah was the site of a Ho-Chunk village beginning circa 1840. Several Ho-Chunks had settled along the Upper Iowa River that year when the U.S. Army forced them to remove from Wisconsin. In 1848, the United States removed the Ho-Chunks again to a new reservation in Minnesota, opening their Iowa villages to white settlers.

The first European-Americans to settle were the Day family from Tazewell County, Virginia. According to local Congregationalist minister Rev. Ephraim Adams, the Days arrived in June 1849 with the Ho-Chunks' "tents still standing—with the graves of the dead scattered about where now run our streets and stand our dwellings." Judge Eliphalet Price suggested that the Days name their new settlement Decorah after Ho-Chunk leader Waukon Decorah, who was a U.S. ally during the Black Hawk War of 1832. During the 1850s and 1860s, Decorah grew quickly as settlers built dams and mills to harness water power at Dunning's Spring and other local streams. In 1851, the town became the county seat of Winneshiek County. Decorah also became the site of a United States General Land Office from 1855 to 1856, making it a destination for immigrants seeking land patents in northern Iowa.

Since 1861, it has been the home of Luther College, a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad opened a branch to Decorah in 1869.

Decorah has become a center for Norwegian-American culture originating from a high number of Norwegian settlements beginning in the 1850s. Each July, Decorah is the host of Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture with ethnic dancing, food, and music. Decorah is also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum in the country devoted to a single immigrant group. Until 1972, one of the largest Norwegian language newspapers in the nation was published in Decorah, the Decorah Posten.

Geography
Decorah is located at 43.30167°N, -91.79028°W (43.301795, -91.790218), approximately 15 mi south of the Minnesota-Iowa border. It is the northernmost major community located along U.S. Route 52 in Iowa. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.04 sqmi, of which 7.01 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water. The Upper Iowa River flows through the city en route to the Upper Mississippi River. The river is faced by steep bluffs, characteristic of the Driftless Area.

Impact crater
About 470 million years ago, a meteorite as big as a city block smashed into what is now Decorah, supporting a theory that a giant space rock broke up and bombarded Earth just as early life began flourishing in the oceans.

The impact dug a crater nearly four miles wide that now lies beneath the town, said Bevan French, one of the world's foremost crater hunters and an adjunct scientist at the National Museum of Natural History.

The Decorah crater lay undiscovered until recently because almost none of it is above ground. Instead, it is filled by an unusual shale that formed after an ancient seaway sluiced into the crater, depositing sediment and an array of bizarre sea creatures that hardened into fossils. One such creature is Pentecopterus decorahensis, which was named for the city.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the population was 7,587. The population density was 1,052.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3,210 housing units at an average density of 445.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.7% White, 1.8% Asian, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 3.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The 2020 census population of the city included 1,463 people in student housing.

According to the American Community Survey estimates for 2016-2020, the median income for a household in the city was $55,920, and the median income for a family was $85,822. Male full-time workers had a median income of $49,643 versus $43,991 for female workers. The per capita income for the city was $27,154. About 4.5% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over. Of the population age 25 and over, 96.9% were high school graduates or higher and 43.8% had a bachelor's degree or higher.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,127 people, 2,855 households, and 1,527 families living in the city. The population density was 1159.3 PD/sqmi. There were 3,121 housing units at an average density of 445.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.6% White, 1.5% African American, 2.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 2,855 households, of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.5% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 29.6 years. 14.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 32.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.3% were from 25 to 44; 19.5% were from 45 to 64; and 18.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.1% male and 53.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,172 people, 2,819 households, and 1,561 families living in the city. The population density was 1,275.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,968 housing units at an average density of 463.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.99% White, 1.13% African American, 0.10% Native American, 1.60% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population. 34.0% were of Norwegian, 30.3% German, 5.4% English and 5.2% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 2,819 households, out of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.6% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.80.

The city's age demographics were spread out, with 15.0% under the age of 18, 31.4% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

Economy
Decorah serves as the county seat of Winneshiek County, which is a major employer. The county courthouse was built in 1903. Decorah's largest employer is Luther College, in addition to several national corporations. Because Winneshiek County's economy is primarily based on farming, Decorah serves as an agricultural hub. Decorah is also home to Seed Savers Exchange, an heirloom plant farm and preservation organization.

Parks and recreation
Each July, Decorah hosts Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture. Decorah is also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest Norwegian museum in the United States.

Natural features include Dunning's Spring, Ice Cave, and Siewers Spring. The city is home to several parks built on bluffs, particularly Phelps Park, Palisades Park, and Pulpit Rock. Until 2003, Decorah had a community ski area, the Nor-Ski Runs Ski Area.

Decorah is home to an operating trout hatchery as well as Twin Springs Park, the former home of the hatchery.

The Raptor Resource Project is located in Decorah. Each year they host a livestreamed webcam of a family of nesting bald eagles as they rear their young.

Education
Decorah is part of the Decorah Community School District in Winneshiek County. The high school is Decorah High School, and the mascot is the Vikings.

St. Benedict School of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque is in Decorah. It opened in 1885 in a two-story, four-room frame building. The school, with five nuns as teachers, was initially until high school but in 1919 became an elementary-middle school only. The convent, which had a second-floor bridge to the original school building, was renovated to be the second school building. In 1964 the current school was built for $268,000 in southern Decorah. A new addition was established in the 1980s, with a music room, a storage and teaching aid area, and two classrooms.

Decorah is also home to Luther College, a private four-year residential college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and known especially for their Nordic Choir. Their mascot is "The Norse."

Media
Newspaper: The community newspaper is printed twice a week in Decorah - The Driftless Journal and Decorah Public Opinion. Newspaper office location: 110 Washington Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Web: The local independent news web site is Decorah News.

Radio

 * KLNI 88.7 (Minnesota Public Radio News)
 * KPVL 89.1 (Studios in both Postville and Decorah)
 * KLCD 89.5 (Classical Minnesota Public Radio)
 * K247BF-LP 97.3 (Translator for KWVI)
 * K257CI-LP 99.3 (Translator for KQYB-FM)
 * KDHK 100.5 "Hawk Rawk"
 * K268AF-LP 101.5 (Translator for KFSI)
 * KVIK 104.7 "The Viking"
 * KDEC 1240
 * KWLC 1240 (Luther College)

Other nearby stations include:
 * KCZQ 102.3 (Cresco, IA)
 * KOEL 950 (Oelwein, IA)
 * KOEL-FM 92.3 (Oelwein-Waterloo, IA)
 * WIZM-FM 93.3 (La Crosse, WI)
 * KQYB 98.3 (Spring Grove, MN-La Crosse, WI)
 * KNEI 103.5 (Waukon, IA)
 * KROC-FM 106.9 (Rochester, MN)

Notable people

 * Josey Jewell, NFL linebacker, Denver Broncos
 * Raef LaFrentz, NBA power forward
 * Ephraim Douglass Adams, Stanford historian
 * Theodora Cormontan, Norwegian-American pianist
 * William Foege, epidemiologist
 * Edward L. Garden, North Dakota politician
 * Georgann Johnson, actress
 * John Brayshaw Kaye, poet and politician
 * Hanna Astrup Larsen (1873–1945), writer and editor
 * Weston Noble, music educator
 * Mark Pinter, actor
 * Jerry Reichow, nine-year NFL veteran, offensive end for 1957 champion Detroit Lions
 * Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor
 * Dean Schwarz, American Potter and Painter
 * Oswald Veblen, mathematician, geometer and topologist
 * Johannes B. Wist, journalist
 * Harley Refsal, woodcarver

title: Decorah, Iowa


text:
Fort Atkinson, Iowa

Fort Atkinson is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 312 at the time of the 2020 census. It is home to the historic Fort Atkinson State Preserve and hosts a large annual fur-trapper rendezvous each September. Fort Atkinson holds the largest regional hay auction every Wednesday.

History
Fort Atkinson was built to protect the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) during their removal from Wisconsin. The name honors Henry Atkinson, the commanding officer in charge of the effort. Construction began in May 1840 and was complete by the summer of 1842. The regular army turned the fort over to Iowa volunteers as the troops stationed there were needed for the Mexican–American War. After the Ho-Chunk were removed from Iowa the post was abandoned on February 14, 1849.

Geography
Fort Atkinson is located at 43.14417°N, -91.93472°W (43.144034, −91.934839).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.31 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 349 people, 160 households, and 102 families residing in the city. The population density was 1125.8 PD/sqmi. There were 170 housing units at an average density of 548.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 1.7% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 160 households, of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 47.3 years. 20.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.5% were from 45 to 64; and 25.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 389 people, 165 households, and 102 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,240.9 PD/sqmi. There were 169 housing units at an average density of 539.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.49% White, 0.26% Native American and 0.26% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.26% of the population.

There were 165 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,205, and the median income for a family was $38,333. Males had a median income of $27,292 versus $17,813 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,702. About 12.3% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

City government
Fort Atkinson is governed by Mayor Paul Herold and a city council composed of Paul Schmitt, Lori Schroeder, Robert Glass, Dale Leuenberger, and Kay Schmitt.

Schools
Fort Atkinson is located in the Turkey Valley School District, a small K-12 school with about 575 students. The district's schools serve students from the small communities of Lawler, Waucoma, St. Lucas, Protivin, Fort Atkinson, and Jackson Junction. The schools themselves are located in Jackson Junction.

There is also a private Catholic school in Protivin called Trinity Catholic School.

Notable people

 * Judson Dean Howard (c. 1878 – 1961), speleologist known for helping establish Lava Beds National Monument in California

title: Fort Atkinson, Iowa