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Iowa Counties
There are ninety-nine counties in Iowa. The first two counties, Des Moines County and Dubuque County, were created in 1834 when Iowa was still part of the Michigan Territory. In preparation for Michigan's statehood, part of Michigan Territory was formed into Wisconsin Territory in 1836]. Two years later, the western portion was split off to become Iowa Territory. The south-eastern part of Iowa Territory became Iowa, the 29th state in the union, on 28 December 1846, by which point 44 Counties had been created. Counties continued to be created by the state government until 1857, when the last county, Humboldt County, was created.Carroll County, Iowa
Carroll County Education, Geography, and History
Carroll County is a county located in the state of Iowa. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 20,816. Carroll County was created on January 15, 1851. The county seat is Carroll. The county is named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Etymology - Origin of Carroll County Name
Carroll County is named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland. He was the only Roman Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, and the longest living signer.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Carroll County History
The county was established in 1851. In 1855 a county government was set up in
the town Carrollton. Three years later a courthouse was constructed at a cost of
approximately $3,000. Construction was begun by Nelson Moore, but he died with
only one floor completed. The second story was completed by L. J. Hampton.
In 1869 the centrally located railroad town of Carroll City was selected as the
county seat, replacing, with some protest, Carrollton. The Chicago and
Northwestern Railroad laid out the town and built its first building, a
warehouse. Later a $4,000 courthouse was constructed on the town square. This
building was used until it burned to the ground in 1886. The vaults and records
were undamaged, however, and moved to temporary housing in the Joyce Building
and Drees' Music Hall.
The following winter a $40,000 bond issue was approved toward the construction
of a new, permanent courthouse. The impressive building was built on the
northwest corner of the square (the parking lot of the current courthouse). The
stone and brick building, complete with a clock tower, was used for more than
three-quarters of a century. It was replaced by a modern-looking building in
1965.
A $750,000 bond issue was used to construct and equip the new courthouse. This
building was officially dedicated on September 24, 1966. The highlight of the
dedication ceremony was the opening of the boxes sealed in the cornerstone of
the old courthouse. The bell from the previous courthouse clock tower sits on
the courthouse grounds.
Source: Marie Hackett, Secretary, Carroll County Historical Society, 1991
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 570 square miles (1,500 km2), of which 569 square miles (1,470 km2) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2) (0.1%) is water.
Carroll county is located in west Iowa.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Northeast: Calhoun County
- East: Greene County
- Southeast: Guthrie County
- South: Audubon County
- Southwest: Shelby County
- West: Crawford County
- Northwest: Sac County
Education
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