Ottumwa, IA

Town in Wapello County, IA

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Sponsors of Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, IA


Ottumwa is a city of rich history and unusual quality. In the early 1800’s the area was populated by several Native Peoples. The Ioway tribe had pre-historic connections to the area; the Mesquaki and Sac were relative newcomers. As westward expansion approached, these tribes were moved to western reservations and Wapello County was opened for a land rush on May 1, 1843.

By the end of May over 5,000 settlers came to the county to claim land for crop, livestock and homesteading. About 470 acres of the Ottumwa area was settled by investors of the Appanoose Rapids Company. Over time the name of the community changed from Louisville to Ottumwa. By 1844, Ottumwa was declared the county seat of Wapello County and began to develop as a city.

The population of Ottumwa boomed from 1,632 to over 5,000 from 1860 to 1870 and continued to grow to a peak population of 33,871 in 1960 before declining to 25,000 in 2000. The closure of several manufacturing plants in the 1960’s left a shortage of jobs in Ottumwa, forcing many to leave the city. The region also suffered agricultural crises and flooding, further contributing to out-migration. Ottumwa has traditionally served as the trade and economic center of Southeast Iowa. Community leaders realize that it will take vision, commitment and hard work to continue this role into the 21st century. Ottumwa is growing. A number of sizable developments have spurred a great deal of additional commercial interest in Ottumwa. Locally owned businesses, as well as national corporations continue investing in our community through expansion and/or opening new facilities in Ottumwa. The expanding commercial districts and industrial base make Ottumwa a strong, viable and expanding community. Through progressive partnerships between City government and private business and industry, we are looking forward to an era of growth.

Businesses of Ottumwa, IA


The businesses of our towns are truly the lifeblood of each community, click on any businesses below to learn about them, to learn how to add your business to your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Wapello 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 Wapello County, IA page.