Agency, Iowa is a small city located in Wapello County in southeastern Iowa. It lies at the intersection of Highways 34 and 163, approximately 20 miles south of Ottumwa. The city has a total area of 0.81 square miles, all of which is land. Check nexticle for information about Adams County, Iowa.
Agency’s terrain is mostly flat with some rolling hills to the north and east. The soil is generally composed of loam, clay and sand with a few areas having heavier concentrations of clay or silt. The terrain is dotted with small ponds, creeks and streams that feed into larger bodies of water such as Lake Wapello to the north and the Des Moines River to the south.
The climate in Agency is classified as humid continental with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a low of around 16 degrees Fahrenheit in January to a high of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Average precipitation ranges from 30 inches per year to 38 inches per year depending on the location within the city limits.
Agency’s vegetation consists primarily of deciduous trees such as maple, oak, elm and ash as well as conifers like pine, spruce and fir. There are also some patches of grassland scattered throughout town providing habitat for wildlife such as deer, rabbits and foxes.
The city has several parks including City Park which features a playground for children, picnic tables for families to enjoy lunch outdoors and even an outdoor amphitheater for concerts during summer months. There are also several walking trails throughout town providing scenic views along with opportunities for bird watching or nature photography.
Overall, Agency provides an idyllic setting for those who want to live close to nature but still have easy access to urban amenities like shopping centers or restaurants only minutes away from their home. With its picturesque scenery, friendly locals and abundance of outdoor recreational activities it’s easy to see why many people choose Agency as their home town!
History of Agency, Iowa
The history of Agency, Iowa dates back to the mid-19th century when the town was founded by settlers from Pennsylvania. The earliest settlers were drawn to the area by its rich soil and abundant water supply. In 1856, a post office was established in Agency and in 1873, the town was officially incorporated as a city.
During the late 19th century, Agency saw steady growth as more settlers moved into the area and began establishing businesses such as grocery stores, general stores, and hotels. The town also had several mills that processed grain and lumber for export. As the population grew, so did the need for public services such as schools and churches.
The early 20th century saw an influx of immigrants from Europe; mainly Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia who helped shape the culture of Agency with their unique skillset. This period also saw an increase in industrial activity including a brickyard that produced bricks for many of Agency’s buildings which are still standing today.
One of Agency’s most important industries during this time was coal mining; there were several mines located close to town that provided employment for many local families. The coal industry eventually declined in the mid-20th century due to competition from natural gas but it left behind a lasting legacy on Agency’s economy and culture.
In recent decades, Agency has seen a shift towards tourism with its charming downtown full of shops and restaurants as well as its abundance of outdoor recreational activities like hiking trails, fishing spots and parks like City Park which features an outdoor amphitheater for concerts during summer months.
Today Agency is proud to be known as “the little city with big dreams” where residents can enjoy small-town living while still having access to urban amenities like shopping centers or restaurants only minutes away from their home.
Economy of Agency, Iowa
The economy of Agency, Iowa has long been based on agriculture and coal mining. Since its founding in the 19th century, settlers have relied on the rich soil and abundant water supply to cultivate crops like corn, soybeans and wheat. These crops were then sold to markets both locally and abroad. In addition to farming, the town was also home to several mills that processed grain and lumber for export.
During the late 19th century, Agency saw an influx of immigrants from Europe who helped shape the local economy with their unique skillset. This period also saw an increase in industrial activity including a brickyard that produced bricks for many of Agency’s buildings which are still standing today.
One of Agency’s most important industries during this time was coal mining; there were several mines located close to town that provided employment for many local families until competition from natural gas caused it to decline in the mid-20th century.
Today the economy of Agency is largely based on tourism with its charming downtown full of shops and restaurants as well as its abundance of outdoor recreational activities like hiking trails, fishing spots and parks like City Park which features an outdoor amphitheater for concerts during summer months. The town is also home to several retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kohl’s Department Store, Target and JCPenney which provide jobs for locals as well as attract visitors from surrounding areas.
Agency is proud to be known as “the little city with big dreams” where residents can enjoy small-town living while still having access to urban amenities like shopping centers or restaurants only minutes away from their home.
Politics in Agency, Iowa
The politics of Agency, Iowa are largely dominated by the Democratic Party. This is due in part to the state’s liberal-leaning population and its long-standing tradition of voting for Democratic candidates. Agency’s local government is composed of a mayor, city council, and various boards and commissions that are all elected by the citizens of Agency. The current mayor is a Democrat who was elected in 2019.
Agency has been a major player in Iowa politics for many years. It has been a key battleground state in presidential elections, with both Democrats and Republicans vying for its electoral votes. In recent years, Agency has seen an increase in voter turnout as residents have become increasingly engaged in local politics.
The citizens of Agency have also been active on the state level, advocating for progressive policies like increasing access to health care, investing more money into public education, and expanding renewable energy sources like wind power. Local politicians have also taken steps to ensure that all voices are heard by creating advisory boards that represent various communities within Agency such as women, LGBTQ+, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Overall, the political landscape in Agency can be described as progressive yet pragmatic; residents understand the importance of balancing economic development with protecting their environment and preserving their small-town charm. This has allowed them to create a unique atmosphere where people from all walks of life can coexist peacefully while still engaging in healthy debates about important issues facing their community.