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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.Tama County, Iowa
Tama County Education, Geography, and History
Tama County is a county located in the state of Iowa. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 17,767. The county was created on February 17,1843. The county seat is Toledo. Tama county is named for Taimah, a leader of the Meskwaki Indians.
Etymology - Origin of Tama County Name
Tama county is named for any of several Native American chiefs or chief's wives, over which there is dispute.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Tama County History
The origin of the naming of Tama
County is somewhat disputed. Some authorities say the name comes from Taimah, a
Fox Indian Chief. Others say it comes from Taomah, wife of Poweshiek--another
Fox Indian Tribe Chief. Still others say the county is named after the Indian
Chief Potama or Pottama.
The county was established in 1847 and originated in 1853. In the fall of 1853
various locations were being considered for a county seat. The county officials
decided on the present county seat, Toledo. The first courthouse was completed
in 1854 at a cost of $1,300. The two-story frame building was constructed by T.
A. Graham. In 1866 this building was abandoned and sold.
At this time (1867) the county began its second courthouse. The building, which
is still standing in Toledo, is constructed of brick on a stone foundation. The
total cost of the building was $22,000, $5,000 of which was paid by the Toledo
Court House Association. The three-day centennial celebration in 1946 was
heralded as the largest in central Iowa. During this centennial year, James
Poweshiek, the great-grandson of Chief Poweshiek, the original chief of the Sac
and Fox Tribe, celebrated his 92nd birthday. He was at that time the oldest
life-long resident of Tama County and the oldest Indian in Iowa.
There have been numerous attempts to replace the 100-year-old courthouse, but
all have failed. In 1978, the courthouse's red brick exterior was sandblasted,
the interior remodeled and the plumbing and wiring were replaced. Additional
remodeling began in 2000 after moving the offices of Assessor, Auditor,
Recorder, Supervisors and Treasurer into a new County Administration Building
just north of the courthouse. The remodeled courthouse is now home to all court
services including the County Attorney and juvenile probation offices. The 1914
courthouse clock will be restored to its original condition, with the help of
community fundraising, in 2003.
Source: John Adams, Tama County Auditor, 2002
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 722 square miles (1,870 km2), of which 721 square miles (1,870 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) (0.1%) is water.
Tama county is located close to the center of Iowa.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Northeast: Black Hawk County
- East: Benton County
- Southeast: Iowa County
- South: Poweshiek County
- Southwest: Jasper County
- West: Marshall County
- Northwest: Grundy County
Education
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