Cerro Gordo County, Administrative county in north-central Iowa, US.
Cerro Gordo County is an administrative county in north-central Iowa centered on Mason City as its seat, with Clear Lake as another significant population hub. The county encompasses several municipalities and towns connected by state and federal highways through rolling terrain.
The county was established in 1851, taking its name from the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican-American War where General Winfield Scott defeated Mexican forces. This naming reflects how early settlers drew on major national events when establishing local jurisdictions.
The county gained national attention when a plane crash near Grant Township claimed the lives of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson in 1959.
Highway 35 runs north-south through the county while Highways 18 and 65 provide key east-west connections for getting around. Mason City Municipal Airport handles regional air travel for visitors arriving or departing by plane.
The county government operates through a three-member Board of Supervisors system, managing sixteen distinct townships across its jurisdiction.
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