Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa is a county seat located in Mahaska County, in the state of Iowa. The town sits at an elevation of roughly 256 meters (840 feet) above sea level, with residential blocks and commercial districts arranged in a clear grid pattern that centers on the courthouse square.

Nathan Boone, son of Daniel Boone, chose this location in 1835 to build the first Fort Des Moines. That decision brought European-American settlers into the area and laid the foundation for the town that followed.

William Penn University, established in 1873, serves as an educational center offering liberal arts programs to students from multiple states and countries.

The town offers a free bus service called Oskaloosa Rides, operating along fixed routes three days per week. These routes link residential areas with shops and public facilities across the city.

By the late 1800s this area had become the leading bituminous coal mining district in Iowa. Production volumes at the time surpassed those of every other county across the state.

Location: Mahaska County

Elevation above the sea: 256 m

Website: http://oskaloosaiowa.org

GPS coordinates: 41.29389,-92.64444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:11