Sac City — Population: 2,368
The picturesque town of Sac City, Iowa, settled on the rich black soil of the heartland, is centrally located to all major markets in the United States and Canada. The community is situated along U.S. Highway 20 with easy access to Interstates 29, 35 and 80. The work ethic of yesterday's pioneers is reflected in Sac City's present-day workforce and healthy economy.
History buffs can explore the famous Chautauqua Building and the 1850s log cabin in Chautauqua Park; admire Monument Square and the 1889 Sac County Courthouse; and visit the Jackson #7 Country School House at the Sac City Museum. A local Main Street program was founded in 1995 and is at the heart of preserving the community's rich heritage. Visit Sac City!
Chamber-Main Street Sac City
615 West Main Street
Sac City, Iowa 50583
phone: 712/662-7316
fax: 712/662-7399
e-mail: cmssc@longlines.com
www.saccity.org
Town History
Sac City was named in honor of the tribe of Sac Indians. The Sac and Fox Indians were in possession of this land at the time of the Louisiana Purchase. The names "Sauk" and "Sac" were used indiscriminately and interchangeably. The words were derived from the Indian word "Osakwugi," meaning "people of the yellow earth."
Sac City was platted on the north fork of the Raccoon River in 1855, with Judge Eugene Criss erecting the first log house there. When Sac City was incorporated in 1875, Criss, who had established a mill and a hotel in the community and kept a stage station and general store, became its first mayor.
Among the early industries in Sac City were Sac City Creamery, built in 1870; an iron foundry conducted by Thomas Wook; the lightening rod factory of Martin & Company; Wayt Monument Works; Martin Mock's feed mill; and Allen Institute for the cure of liquor and drug diseases.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Sac County Courthouse - Completed on July 13, 1889 at a cost of $30,000, this architectural beauty is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Monument Square - Features the northernmost monument to the Union soldiers.
- Allen Block - Constructed in 1892, this building originally served as the Allen Institute, a drug and alcohol treatment center, and currently houses several business and apartments.
- Early Mansion - This 20-room General Grant Victorian home was built in 1875 for $20,000 by D. Carr Early. The tower windows from which one may view a 10-mile radius, otherwise known as the "widow's watch," is still intact. The three-story brick structure has served as a home, hospital, apartment house and restaurant.
Formerly known as the Carlson House, the mansion was purchased as a private residence in 1998. The new owners, Fritz and Sandra Backmeyer have recently re-opened the first level of the house as a restaurant, open Thursday-Saturday evenings.
- Park Hotel - A 1917 brick structure that once had over 50 rooms for rent.
- Sac City Museum - Housed in the W.B. Wayt Monument Building, the museum features a glimpse of a home, general store, barber shop and country school of the past.
- Chautauqua Building - Built in 1908, the Chautauqua Building is the last remaining building of its kind in Iowa. It is an enclosed auditorium built to house programs that included lectures, humor, singing, instrumental concerts and preaching. Famous orators such as William Jennings Bryant and Sen. Robert M. La Follete spoke from the stage here. Currently, the building is used for events, community gatherings and family picnics.
Annual Events
- April - Kiwanis Kite Tournament - One of the oldest kite tournaments in world, founded in 1925. Kite building sessions are held before the contest.
- June - Bike Around Sac County - A weekend biking adventure complete with local hospitality.
- July - Chautauqua Days - This Independence Day celebration includes a parade, bed races, children's games, musical entertainment, fireworks and more!
- July/August - Sac County Fair - Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show, tractor pulls, chuckwagon races, Figure-8 races, exhibits and demonstrations are all part of the fun the last weekend of July.
- October - Porktoberfest - Retail merchants show their appreciation with hog and husband calling contests, a guess-the-weight-of-the-pig contest, good food and more.
- November/December - Annual Christmas Parade & Lights On Ceremony - Sac City kicks off of the holiday season on the Friday night following Thanksgiving with a parade, Christmas tree walk, luminaries, carolers, yard lighting contest and carriage rides.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property or revolving business loan funds, low interests loans for facade improvements and sign grants for downtown Sac City business and property owners, contact Chamber-Main Street Sac City at 712/662-7316.
Local Links
City of Sac City
Chamber - Main Street Sac City
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