Laurens, IA

Town in Pocahontas County, IA

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Sponsors of Laurens, IA


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

About Laurens, IA


Located in the area of the Swampy Slough Grass Belt, Laurens was settled by the Western Town Lot Company, a subsidiary of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway System Company.

Organized on December 21, 1880, Laurens was platted in 1881 and was dedicated in Pocahontas on December 24, 1881. Laurens was designated a village.

Laurens was named in honor of Henry and John Laurens, father and son, two French Huguenots who became residents of Charleston, SC, and who were patriotic and loyal to the Colonial cause during the Revolution.

Laurens claimed 700 residents before the turn of the twentieth century. The 2000 census population was 1476.

In 1899 the town had a problem with “too many young people on the street at night.” The city fathers passed a curfew making it unlawful for boys and girls under 18 years of age to be on the streets after 7 p.m. in the fall and winter, and after 8 p.m. in the spring and summer unless accompanied by their parents or guardians. The first offense fine was 50 cents and the second offense fine was $1.00 and imprisonment from one to ten days.

Early settlers enjoyed hunting and fishing at Swan Lake and Muskrat Lake located 1 ½ miles north of Laurens.
The early community of Laurens enjoyed the steamboat, canoeing and resort attractions on Swan Lake.
In 1911, Pocahontas County drained both lakes into Cedar Creek; therefore the recreational playground became farmland. The county reclaimed Swan Lake back to wetlands in 2003.

A 1901 city map details the Sunnyside Race Track in the southeast part of Laurens. This was used on Sundays and holidays. It had an amphitheater, race track, ball diamond, and grandstand. Along with horse racing and pony cart racing, they also had wrestling matches. In one match, champion wrestler Frank Gotch from Humboldt wrestled his teacher and mentor Farmer Burns.

Businesses of Laurens, IA


The businesses of our towns are truly the lifeblood of each community, click on any businesses below to learn about them, to learn how to add your business to your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Community Organizations of Laurens, IA


Small towns and rural communities throughout the Midwest are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. Here you will find the organizations that stabilize, preserve, and revitalize the small towns and rural areas alike. To submit your organization to be included on your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Events of Laurens, IA


The small towns of the Midwest have long shared pride in their communities through festivals and events! Citizens from each community, working together, continue to offer entertainment options that not only appeal to their citizens, but visitors to their community! Below you will find festivals and events you are sure to want to attend! If you would like to have (DST) include an annual festival or event on your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Faith Organizations of Laurens, IA


Throughout the years faith organizations have not only been an essential part of a town's religious life, but its community life. Below you will find stories about these organizations, If you would like to induct a faith organization to be added to your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Points of Interest of Laurens, IA


The communities of the Midwest have a lifestyle unique to their region — rich in history and points of interest like no other! Below you will find points of interest you are sure to want to visit! To nominate a landmark, historic location, museum, etc. as a point of interest on your county and region page CLICK HERE!

Pocahontas County, IA


Visit our county page and you will find information about our town and county's points of interest, festivals/events and faith community. You also will learn about the community organizations that have built and continue to build strong communities (chambers, community groups, and departments, etc) and much more when you visit the Pocahontas County, IA page.

Veterans of Pocahontas County, IA


Veterans come from many walks of life and whether a veteran has severed two decades ago or two days ago, they have made our freedoms possible. Below you will find stories about many who have served. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be included on your town and county page CLICK HERE!