Marshalltown — Population: 26,009
Marshalltown, Iowa in 2002 became one of the newest communities to be accepted into
the Main Street Iowa Program. This accomplishment adds to the city's recent efforts
for growth and economic development, which include a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center
being developed by the Community Y, an expansion project by the Marshalltown Medical
and Surgical Center to better serve the medical needs of a five-county area, renovations
of previous factory space for a new office area by Emerson Process Management (Fisher
Controls) and a retail/housing project by a local developer on West Main Street.
Historic Preservation is also top of mind for this progressive community. In January
of 2002, Marshalltown's Downtown Historic District became listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. With the Marshall County Courthouse and the original
route of the Lincoln Highway as it's core, this district boasts a mix of historical
commercial buildings with varying architectural styles that date mainly between
the 1860s and the 1940s.
Marshalltown CBD, A Main Street Community
PO Box 159
Marshalltown, IA 50158
phone: 641/754-5583
fax: 641/754-5577
e-mail: director@dybb.com
www.marshalltownmainstreet.com
Town History
The Andreas historical atlas of 1875 reports that Marshalltown's founder, Henry
Anson, "was so pleased with the natural beauty of the spot that… caught his hat
from his head, and throwing it up in the air, exclaimed: 'I've found the prettiest
place in Iowa, and here I'll live and lay my bones'." It was the summer of 1851.
The original town plat for Marshall, laid out and recorded August 15, 1853 as the
village of Marshall, had its name changed to Marshalltown in 1862.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Marshall County Courthouse
- Glick Home
- The Susie Sower Home
- Rural Schoolhouse
Annual Events
- May - Garden Extravaganza - Families, friends, and avid gardeners
gather to enjoy horticultural exhibits, barbecuing demos, and plant sales. This
is the chance to check out one-of-a-kind lawn, garden, and home accessories.
- June - Thanks With Franks - To thank the community for supporting
the downtown and to celebrate the anniversary of the Main Street Program, businesses
grill free hot dogs for the public and compete for most creative condiments.
- July - Ridiculous Day - This longstanding tradition for Marshalltown,
offers great retail items at "Ridiculous" prices.
- September - Oktemberfest - This community festival offers a parade,
merchant's tent, children's carnival, food vendors, competitions of all sorts and
so much more.
- October - Bridal Fair and Fall Fashion Show - Local merchants showcase
their season's best for upcoming nuptials, including a fashion show on the Courthouse
lawn.
- November - Holiday Stroll - This holiday kick-off begins with a
non-motorized parade that leads all to the courthouse square for the official 'lighting
of the trees'. Afterwards, everyone is invited to stroll Main Street businesses
to enjoy holiday shopping, in-store entertainment, and to nibble on holiday goodies.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information on available downtown commercial property or available business
incentives, please contact the Marshalltown Main Street program director at 641/754-5583.
Local Links
Marshalltown Convention
& Visitors Bureau
City of Marshalltown
Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce
Marshall County