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About
Marshalltown, Iowa
Marshalltown, Iowa is a community of nearly 30,000 people in the central region of Iowa. Steeped in a rich, traditional Midwest history, Marshalltown has evolved to become an American success story of immigration, cultural diversity and community collaboration. From a humble railroad town to a technology and manufacturing hotbed, Marshalltown has continued to grow steadily and by design, with one eye on our rich heritage and one eye on a promising future.
History
1851
1851
“The Prettiest Place in Iowa”
Henry Anson was the first European settler in what is now called Marshalltown. In April 1851, Anson found what he described as “the prettiest place in Iowa.”[6] On a high point between the Iowa River and Linn Creek, Anson built a log cabin. A plaque at 112 West Main Street marks the site of the cabin.[7] In 1853 Anson named the town Marshall, after Marshall, Michigan, a former residence of his.[8]
1922
1922
KFJB Broadcasts First US Football Game Live From Field
On Sept. 23, 1922, KFJB was the first radio station to broadcast a football game live from the field in the United States. That night, they ran a microphone cable through a window at Marshall Electric, three blocks away from Franklin Field. They covered not one but two Marshalltown football games in a single afternoon, with the Bobcats beating Belle Plaine 32-0 and Toledo 28-0.
1928
1928
Taylor’s Maid-Rite
Cliff Taylor of Marshalltown bought the third Maid-Rite franchise for $300. Maid-Rites are the culinary cornerstone of Iowa cuisine boasting to be the first and best loose meat sandwiches. Taylor’s Maid-Rite continues today as a family-owned tradition of Marshalltown.
1942
1942
Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher
Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, native of Marshalltown, hands the Imperial Japanese Navy their first defeat in the Pacific War Theatre. He went on to command the fleet at Midway, Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands and is credited with sinking six Japanese carriers, dozens of other enemy vessels and hundreds of enemy aircraft. His Medal of Honor was awarded to him for his heroic actions in the Battle of Vera Cruz many years before in WWI.
1963
1963
Anna Arnold Hedgeman – 1963 March on Washington
Marshalltown Native Anna Arnold Hedgeman is an integral organizer in the 1963 March on Washington. She was an African-American civil rights leader, politician, educator and writer and was a foreshadowing figure in hometown story of integration and inclusion some three decades later.
2018
2018
An EF3 tornado hits Marshalltown
An EF3 tornado hits Marshalltown, heavily damaging the heart of the downtown district and toppling the capitol spire. The path of destruction of was 1200 yards wide and nearly 9 miles long. Work to restore Marshalltown continues today.
2023
2023
The scaffolding comes down on the Marshall County Courthouse
The scaffolding comes down on the Marshall County Courthouse after reconstructing the spire on the John Cochrane designed limestone building, damaged by the 2018 tornado. The building anchors historic Main Street and Marshalltown downtown, and draws thousands of visitors each year.
Future Development
Marshalltown continues to forge a bright future on the values and commitments to our community that have brought us this far. A town defined by our inclusivity, resilience and optimism, we are uniquely positioned to attract new industry and services from around the world. The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce and area business leaders are engaged domestically and internationally in exciting new developments that will bring social and economic improvements to the community. That, paired with our economic commitment and support of locally grown businesses makes this an incredible place to work and live.
Livability Magazine
