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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.Cherokee County, Iowa
Cherokee County Education, Geography, and History
Cherokee County is a county located in the state of Iowa. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 12,072. Cherokee County was created on January 15, 1851. The county seat is Cherokee. The county is named after the Cherokee Indians.
Etymology - Origin of Cherokee County Name
Cherokee county is named for the Cherokee Native American tribe.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Cherokee County History
Both the county and its county seat are named for the Cherokee Indian tribe. The
word "cherokee" comes from the Chickasaw word "chiluk-ki," which means "cave
people."
The county was established in 1851 and originated in 1857. The first settlement
was Cherokee, later known as Old Cherokee. In February 1857 the settlement was
attacked by a tribe of Sioux Indians. After three days the band of Indians left
the area and headed for the lakes region. After the citizens heard of the Spirit
Lake massacre, many deserted the town.
In 1861 three men were chosen to select a suitable county seat site. Cherokee
was selected, and a tax levy was used to construct the first courthouse. The
30-square-foot building was constructed of native lumber at a cost of $1,900.
When the building was completed in 1864, it was used as a courthouse, public
gathering place and a school.
In March of 1870 the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad came through the county. In
the fall of 1871 the voters approved the relocation of the county seat to the
railroad, or New Cherokee. The following winter a committee was selected to move
and repair the county court house.
A new county building was needed as early as 1880, but it was not until 1890
that voters finally approved the construction of a new courthouse. The large
Romanesque-style courthouse was completed in 1892 at a cost of approximately
$40,000. The pressed brick, granite and slate building was situated high on a
hill overlooking the business section of Cherokee.
Approval for the construction of the present courthouse came in a November 3,
1964 election. Voters approved a $575,000 bond issue to construct the
split-level, modern-looking building. The new courthouse was dedicated on
October 16, 1966.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 577 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 577 square miles (1,490 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (0.03%) is water.
Cherokee county is located in west Iowa. Cherokee county sits in the middle of the richest farmland in North America.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- North: O'Brien County
- Northeast: Clay County
- East: Buena Vista County
- Southeast: Sac County
- South: Ida County
- Southwest: Woodbury County
- West: Plymouth County
- Northwest: Sioux County
Education
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