Hampton — Population: 4,218

Plush green Iowa countryside casually turns into the bustling community of Hampton, Iowa, where visitors and residents can enjoy rural life at its best. Thriving downtown businesses located in turn-of-the-century buildings are under the watchful eye of the towering 1890s Franklin County Courthouse, one of the best examples of Richardson Romanesque architecture in Iowa. Bandshell Park, which covers a full city block, is located across the street from the courthouse and provides a place for rest and revival and a locale to mingle and be merry.

The rebirth of downtown Hampton has been a product of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm by local residents and Main Street Hampton, which was founded in 1991. An active Chamber of Commerce, proven economic development programs, strong school system, updated hospital and new industrial park complement the efforts of Hampton Main Street and the community's thriving downtown district. The new Franklin County Historical Museum, REA Power Plant Museum, Maysville School House and GAR Memorial Hall add to Hampton's charm. Visit Hampton!

Main Street Hampton
5 First Street SW
Hampton, Iowa 50441
phone: 641/456-5668
fax: 641/456-5660
email: mainstreet@sswireless.net

www.franklincountyiowa.com/Community/Main_Street.php

Town History

Hampton was founded in 1855 and platted in 1856 by James Reeve, George Ryan, and Job Garner. Garner was given the privilege of christening the town and selected the name Benjamin so that the town name would read Benjamin, Franklin County, Iowa, in honor of the noted philosopher and statesman Benjamin Franklin. Soon after, it was discovered that a Benjamin, Iowa, already existed and the name was changed to Hampton in honor of the famous Hampton Roads in Virginia. In 1856, Hampton was made the permanent county seat of Franklin County, and the city was incorporated in 1870.

Landmarks and Unique Local Features

Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:

• Franklin County Courthouse
• Franklin County Jail House
• GAR Memorial Hall

Other Unique Historic Properties:

• Harriman Neilsen House
• Boehmler House
• Beeds Lake Spillway

Annual Events

• June - Main Street Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show - Three blocks of Hampton's city square area are filled with all sizes, shapes and colors of vehicles that compete for prizes and admirers' attention.
• July - Franklin County Fair - Franklin County's largest event of the year includes favorites such as Grandpa's Farm, Pleasant Hill Village and homemade ice cream.
• August - Sister/Friend Weekend
• September - Summerfest - End of summer festival with live music, food and fun centered in Bandshell Park.
• November - Specialty Shops Holiday Open Houses - See shops decked out in holiday finery and purchase gifts before the rush.
• December - Christmas Tour of Homes - The local Chamber of Commerce, Arts Council and Main Street roll out the red carpet for the holiday season with tours of decorated homes, concerts, a festival of Christmas trees.

Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property

For more information about available downtown commercial property contact the Franklin County Development Association at 641/456-5668 or fcda_director@mchsi.com.

For more information about low interest loan programs for downtown Hampton businesses, contact Main Street Hampton at 641/456-5668 or mainstreet@sswireless.net.

Local Links

Franklin County Development Association [www.fcda.com]
Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce [www.hamptoniowa.org]
Hampton-Dumont Community Schools [www.hampton-dumont.k12.ia.us]