About Ottumwa Iowa
Ottumwa ... City of Bridges
Ottumwa is a city of rich history and unusual quality. In the early 1800's the area was populated by the Mesquaki, Sac and Ioway Indians. 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. From 1998 through January 2003, our citizens have invested approximately $61,150,000 in commercial, retail, and industrial development.
The City Council's commitment to the construction of an events center has drawn support from the state, county, private organizations and support pledges of $4 million from individual citizens. There has been a renewed interest in Ottumwa's downtown, with several new private businesses constructed in the area.
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.
Ottumwa Area Links
 Ottumwa Progress, Inc. |
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 Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce |
 Ottumwa Area Development Corporation |
 Partners In Progress |
  Bridge View Center, Inc. |
 Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission |
 Court Hill Preservation Association |
| Â | Area 15 Regional Planning Commission Area 15 Regional Planning Commission http://www.area15rpc.com/ |
 Wapello County’s Website |
 Wapello County Treasurer |
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 Ottumwa Community School District Website |
 Ottumwa High School Band Website |
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 Indian Hills Community College |
 Southern Prairie AEA Agency 15 |
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 Official Iowa Tourism Website |
 The Iowa Freedom of Information Council |
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 Official State of Iowa Website http://www.state.ia.us/ |
 Iowa Legislature |
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 The official website of the U.S. Government |
 Official Time and Date National Institute of Standards & Technology |
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 United States House of Representatives |
 United States Senate |
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