Poweshiek County

Poweshiek County is an administrative division in central Iowa that encompasses several communities with Montezuma serving as its county seat. The area consists of rural farmland and small towns distributed across the county's landscape.

The county was founded in 1843 and named after Chief Poweshiek, a Meskwaki leader whose people inhabited the region before European settlement. This choice of name acknowledged the indigenous roots of the land.

The courthouse in Montezuma has been a central gathering place for the county since its completion, where official business and civic meetings shape the daily rhythm of county life. This building anchors the identity of the county seat and remains deeply connected to how residents conduct their affairs.

The county seat of Montezuma serves as the main hub where administrative offices and public facilities are concentrated, making it the natural starting point for exploration. Getting around the county is easiest with a car since public transportation is limited across the rural areas.

The Foster Center at Diamond Lake offers nature programs and seasonal workshops for children from preschool through fifth grade. This facility provides hands-on outdoor learning experiences that serve the younger residents of the county.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1843

Capital city: Montezuma

Elevation above the sea: 293 m

Shares border with: Tama County, Mahaska County, Jasper County, Iowa County, Keokuk County, Marshall County, Benton County

Website: http://poweshiekcounty.org

GPS coordinates: 41.68417,-92.53000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26