Fort Dodge Then...

FORT DODGE HISTORY

Fort Dodge saw its fastest growth between 1890 and 1910. Some of the growth came as people moved from rural areas into the cities which offered greater economic and cultural opportunities. The 1890 census indicated that Fort Dodge had a population of 1,870 but by 1910, the population had increased to 15,543. Setting the stage for the growth of this period were the installation of basic municipal services; water, sewer, gas, telephone, and electric systems. With the population increase came the expansion and diversification of the local economy. Among the most important of the city’s industries were gypsum and clay products, foundry products, banking furniture, meat packing, poultry, butter and eggs, oat meal manufacturing, flour milling, agricultural implements, butter tubs and barrels, cigars, carbonated beverages, confectionary items, and men’s work clothing.

For more information on Fort Dodge's history go to https://www.fortdodgehistory.com/.

Webster County Then...

WEBSTER COUNTY HISTORY

Coal was important for economic development in Webster County.  Not only was coal available, but the area had abundant supplies of clay, gypsum, and limestone.  A major boost for Webster County gypsum production came in 1893 when local mills won the contracts to provide gypsum plaster for the Chicago World’s Fair at which all of the spectacular buildings were temporary structures built with wooden framework covered by plaster. Coal fueled the establishment of the gypsum industry. The first mill was established in 1872 and over the years, 13 mills were built in the county, making Webster County reportedly the largest producer in the world.

Clay products became the second largest industry in Webster County with its production of brick, tile and stoneware. The products were needed to build the newly established towns in northern and western Iowa, the Dakotas and Minnesota, and to drain the agricultural wetlands of north central Iowa, making available to agriculture some of the richest soils in the world. At one time, five plants produced brick, sewer pipe, and drainage tile. Locally produced drainage tile helped drain the extensive wet lands of north central Iowa, making available the world’s best soil for agriculture. Clay stoneware was also a major product, and Webster was by far the largest producer of stoneware in Iowa.

For more information on Webster County's History go to https://www.fortdodgehistory.com/.