Washta, IA

Town in Cherokee County, IA

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Sponsors of Washta, IA


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

About Washta, IA


On January 12, 1912, a temperature of forty-seven degrees below zero was recorded and "the smoke went straight up that day" so there was no wind chill figured in! The man who took the temperature that day was an official weather observer for the National Weather Service and had a nursery where he grew shrubs, trees & plants. It was recorded that Cherokee had a forty-three below temperature that day.

Washta's name dates back to 1868. A local man named Whisman turned his farm into a trading post/mail stop for the freight train going from Correctionville to Cherokee when he was asked to be the official postmaster for the area. When asked what the name of his town would be, he recalled an interesting encounter with two Native Americans the year before. While Whisman was out hunting these two Indians came upon him, removed his gun, looked at it, and handed it back while saying, "Wash-tay, Wash-tay," meaning good. Changing the pronunciation slightly, Whisman decided he would call the town Washta.

Cherokee County, IA


Visit our county page and you will find information about our town and county's points of interest, festivals/events and faith community. You also will learn about the community organizations that have built and continue to build strong communities (chambers, community groups, and departments, etc) and much more when you visit the Cherokee County, IA page.

Veterans of Cherokee County, IA


Veterans come from many walks of life and whether a veteran has severed two decades ago or two days ago, they have made our freedoms possible. Below you will find stories about many who have served. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be included on your town and county page CLICK HERE!