Oskaloosa — Population: 10,938
Pride, progress and tradition are Oskaloosa, Iowa's hallmark. Oskaloosa, a word meaning
the "last of the beautiful," is a town that has grown and changed over the past
150 years but still preserves its charm. It is difficult to find anything more beautiful
than standing in fresh, white snow near Oskaloosa's historic bandstand watching the annual
Lighted Christmas Parade on a December evening. This magical event, which attracts 15,000,
was started by Main Street Oskaloosa, which was founded in 1986 and is now part of the
Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group.
The Lighted Christmas Parade and the many activities supported by the community add to
the serious business of doing business in Oskaloosa, home of the "American Waltz
King" Fredrick Knight Logan, who composed the "Missouri Waltz." From
businesses that serve the community locally to businesses that serve communities
throughout the world, economic development goes hand-in-hand with the rich heritage of
Oskaloosa. Visit Oskaloosa!
Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group
124 North Market Street
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
phone: 641/672-2591
fax: 641/672-2047
e-mail: jsullivan@oacdg.org
Town History
Oskaloosa was named for the Indian Creek tribe princess Oskaloosa, who was captured by Seminole Indians and married their chief. Oskaloosa means "last of the beautiful." From 1844 to 1925, the land occupied by the new city was transformed from an uninhabited virgin prairie to the county seat of Mahaska County, with a population of over 10,000. Oskaloosa was incorporated in 1853.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Oskaloosa has 20 individual structures and three districts on the National Register of Historic Places for a total of 180 historical sights. One hundred of these historic beauties are located downtown, with another 36 nearby on the "Paradise Block."
- Mahaska County Courthouse - Completed in 1887, this is one of the most impressive National Register properties in Oskaloosa.
- City Square Bandstand - Constructed in 1912, with a design by Frank E. Wetherell and the inspiration of Charles Barnhouse, this unique structure also is on the National Register.
- Chief Mahaska Statue - Built in Paris by Sherry E. Fry, who studied Mahaska and his descendants. This statue, created in 1909, brought Fry great acclaim in Europe.
- Centennial Building - This two-story brick building with three storefronts was constructed in 1876 by the Bach family.
- Mahaska County State Bank Building - An 1853 building that stands at the northwest corner of Market Street and First Avenue and served as a bank for approximately 100 years.
Annual Events
- June - Art on the Square - Juried art and selected crafts are sold, displayed and demonstrated at the city square, where food and activities for children also are available.
- July/August - Sweet Corn Serenade - Carnival games, musical entertainment, corporate games craft and product shows, tasty treats, and sweet corn attract 5,000 - 7,000 annually.
- November - Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Crowning of Main Street Young Ambassadors - A special holiday ceremony held in the Penn Central Mall.
- December - Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade - Parade begins at 7 p.m. This evening lighted parade entertains thousands as it marches through historic downtown Oskaloosa and around Penn Central Mall. Pre-parade events include living window display, home lighting contest, caroling, concessions, hundreds of luminaries, soup suppers, and much more.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and revolving low interest loans, direct investment fund and facade grant programs for downtown Oskaloosa business and property owners, contact the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group at 641/672-2591 .
Local Links
Oskaloosa Chamber
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