Mt. Pleasant — Population: 8,751
Located in charming southeast Iowa, Mount Pleasant is the Heritage City nestled
at the crossroads of US Highways 218 and 34. As both a rich, historic city and a
progressive center of business and industry, Mount Pleasant offers visitors and
residents the best of both worlds. Its citizens enjoy the advantages of a friendly,
small community in addition to the exciting career opportunities created by the
thriving business sector.
The city of Mt. Pleasant is a growing, progressive city experiencing steady economic
expansion and great community spirit and pride. The Heritage City is home to many
large industries including several Fortune 500 companies and a wide variety of both
local and national retail and commercial businesses. "Mount Pleasant offers a central
location, easy transportation access, low costs, and a high quality workforce to
businesses and industries" says Jennifer Daly, Executive Vice-President for the
Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce and Area Development Commission. "It is
easy to see why so many businesses choose Mount Pleasant for their home."
Rich in history, Mt. Pleasant is the home of many firsts including the first Iowa
baseball championship team and the state's first mental health facility. This city
holds the boyhood home of James Van Allen, a pioneer in the field of astronomy and
the home of James A. Harlan, a state senator and friend of President Abraham Lincoln.
Iowa Wesleyan College, the oldest private, co-educational liberal arts college west
of the Mississippi, is a cornerstone of the community and the birthplace of the
International PEO Sisterhood, a philanthropic education organization well known
across the country.
The citizens of Mount Pleasant take great pride in their unique, historic, and progressive
city. The residents' dedication and dynamic vision for their city continue to make
Mount Pleasant a great place to visit, work and live.
Main Street Mount Pleasant
124 South Main
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
phone: 319/385-3101
toll free: 800-436-7619
fax: 319/385-3012
Town History
In 1834, Presley Saunders, Joseph Moore, Barlett Williams, and a Mr. Walters with
his sons came to the area that is now Mt. Pleasant. Saunders staked his claim and
expressed his intention to start a town. In 1835, Saunders returned with his family
and constructed a log cabin near a spring in what is now know as Saunders Park.
Joseph Moore arrived back at about the same time and built the first structure within
the limits of Saunders' new village of Mt. Pleasant. Moore's log home, out of which
he also operated a store, was located at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Monroe,
the present location of the building commonly known as the Hayes Insurance Building.
Soon, others, including Saunders, built log houses and stores in this area. In 1836,
John Randolph opened the first real store and he was followed shortly by Presley
Saunders. By the end of 1836 there were around 100 inhabitants in what is now the
thriving community of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Midwest Old Threshers Museum - View exhibits on electricity, water,
farm implements and stationary steam engines.
- The Theatre Museum - Houses a unique collection of memorabilia
from the days of early American popular entertainment.
- The Harlan-Lincoln Home - Home of U.S. Senator James A. Harlan.
Harlan's daughter married Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd. Artifacts from Abraham
Lincoln can be viewed at the home.
- The Van Allen House Heritage Center - Boyhood home of Dr. James
Van Allen, space program pioneer.
Annual Events
- May - October - Market on Main - Vendors selling their fruits,
vegetables, baked goods, plants and crafts in downtown Mount Pleasant.
- July - Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Celebration - Enjoy fireworks,
food, fun, and entertainment during Mt. Pleasant's 4th of July Celebration
- August - Old Threshers Reunion - After 52 years, the annual Old
Threshers reunion, always held five days ending on Labor Day, is established as
the largest celebration of our agricultural heritage that attracts visitors from
across North America.
- October - Ghost Train - The volunteers and members of the Midwest
Central Railroad and a host of other organizations invite you to come and witness
this spook-filled phenomena of Halloween. Come DARE to ride the Ghost Train of no
return.
- November - Trees of Christmas - Local businesses and organizations
decorate Christmas trees in the Court House. Also included will be a visit from
a special guest, live music and a kids craft table.
- December - Polar Express - A train ride that lets you live the
Polar Express.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information on available downtown commercial property or available business
incentives, please contact the Mt. Pleasant program director at 319/385-3101 or
toll free at 800/436-7619.
Local Links
Mount Pleasant Area
Chamber Alliance
City of Mt. Pleasant
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion