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!
- County: Winneshiek County, IA
- Region: Northern IA
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- About Ossian, IA
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Sponsors of Ossian, IA
About Ossian, IA
Ossian, a city located in Winneshiek County, was founded by John Ossian Porter. John Ossian Porter, born in New York State, migrated to Winneshiek County, probably in the late 1840s or early 1850s. Mr. Porter purchased property which bordered on the "Military Trail"; a road connecting Fort Crawford, WI and Fort Atkinson, IA.When the Porter's youngest son was born in 1855, he was named Ossian. This same year the Village of Ossian was founded.
"Ossian" is described in the encyclopedia dictionary as: "A legendary Irish hero and bard of the third century, subject of a cycle of poems by James MacPherson, published 1760 to 1768. Legendary or not, Ossian the Bard, is a well know tradition in Ireland. Quite likely, Porter, though born in New York State, was of Irish ancestry.
Our town's name is not unique. There is an Ossian, Indiana and at one time an Ossian, New York was in existence.
Ossian was actually incorporated on February 7, 1876. Sixty-Seven voted for the incorporation and fifty-seven against. At the time there were 475 people living in Ossian.
Because of Ossian's location on the Military Trail, it was a center for railroad trails. Even in 1928 there were still 12 daily trains passing through; eight passenger and four freight. Today the railroad still passes through with just freight trains.
Various dates showing how Ossian progressed through the years:
- 1882 Telephone established in the community.
- 1888 Installed street lights powered with oil.
- 1898 Actual fire department established with pumpers and a building to house equipment.
- 1912 Horse and buggy were still the main form of transportation, but automobiles became more common.
- 1913 Oil street lights were replaced with electric lights.
- 1917 The town installed a municipal water system with a 60,000 gallon water tower. This tower was replaced
in 1988 with a 150,000 gallon water tower.
- 1923 The first municipal sanitary sewer system was installed. This was upgraded twice; once in 1949 and again in 1990.
Businesses of Ossian, 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 Ossian, 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 Ossian, 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 Ossian, 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 Ossian, 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!
Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County, IA page.
Veterans of Winneshiek 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!
