Oskaloosa, 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!

Oskaloosa can trace its roots back to the time that the state of Iowa was born. In the mid 1800’s a group of Quakers settled in an area southeast of Des Moines, midway between the Skunk and Des Moines rivers. The first settler in what was to become Mahaska County was William Canfield, who established a trading post to Oskaloosa. He built the first home here after the town was platted in 1844, and in that same year, Oskaloosa was established as the county seat of Mahaska County. The county was named after a chief of the Ioway tribe, Chief Mahaska (White Cloud), and was staked out in 1844.

In 1844 Oskaloosa was a pioneer village containing only 13 crude cabins and two stores. The town grew rapidly and by 1853, when it was incorporated, had a population of about 1,000. Oskaloosa was named for a Creek princess named Ouscaloosa, which means “last of the beautiful”. Ouscaloosa was captured by the Seminoles and married Osceola, a Seminole Chief.

The late 1900s saw a new growth in Oskaloosa’s cultural & economical scene. Penn Central Mall opened its doors in 1985. In 1991 a $580,000 restoration of the city square and bandstand were completed. In 1998 the Oskaloosa Symphony performed for the first time. In 1999 the statue of Chief Mahaska was cleaned and rededicated. Descendents of the chief attended the ceremony. The George Daily Auditorium opened its doors in 2000. The 700-seat auditorium is a cornerstone of the fine arts in Oskaloosa. In the early years of the 21st century, community members formed the Oskaloosa Arts Fellowship to promote the arts in Oskaloosa. It is now known as FACE: Fine Arts and Cultural Events.

Oskaloosa’s economy centers on a booming retail trade, agriculture and a strong industrial park. These diversified areas of commerce have helped give the city a stable and growing economy.