Boone, Iowa

Boone, Iowa is a city located in Boone County, Iowa, situated near the Des Moines River and Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University. The city has a rich history, with notable residents including Mamie Eisenhower, wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John R. Brinkley, a University of Kansas and University of Chicago-educated physician. Boone is also close to the Living History Farms and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Iowa State Fair.

Geography

Boone, Iowa is situated in the Midwestern United States, near the Prairie State, Illinois, and the Hawkeye State, Iowa. The city is nestled in the Des Moines River valley, with nearby cities including Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, and Des Moines, Iowa, the state capital. The geography of the area is characterized by rolling hills and prairies, with the Skunk River flowing through the nearby Story County, Iowa. The city is also close to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and the Saylorville Lake, a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

History

The history of Boone, Iowa dates back to the early 19th century, with the city being founded in 1865 by John I. Blair, a New Jersey-born Congressman. The city was named after Daniel Boone, the famous American frontier explorer. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Boone experienced significant growth, with the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company railroad and the establishment of the Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. The city was also home to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, a heritage railway that operated from 1983 to 2019. Notable historical events in the area include the Spirit Lake Massacre and the Iowa Territory's admission to the United States as the 29th state.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Boone, Iowa was 12661, with a population density of 1373.1 people per square mile. The city has a diverse population, with residents from various ethnic backgrounds, including German Americans, Irish Americans, and English Americans. The median age in the city is 38.4 years, with a median household income of 48391. The city is also home to a significant number of Veterans of Foreign Wars, with nearby Camp Dodge serving as a major United States Army training facility. Notable residents of Boone include Mamie Eisenhower, John R. Brinkley, and Norman Borlaug, a University of Minnesota-educated Nobel laureate.

Economy

The economy of Boone, Iowa is driven by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is home to several major employers, including the Boone Community School District, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and the City of Boone, Iowa. The city is also close to the Ames Laboratory, a United States Department of Energy-funded research facility, and the Iowa State University Research Park. The area is also known for its agriculture, with major crops including corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Notable companies with operations in the area include John Deere, Caterpillar Inc., and 3M.

Education

Boone, Iowa is served by the Boone Community School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Boone High School and Boone Middle School. The city is also close to several institutions of higher education, including Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Community College, and Grand View University. The area is also home to the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, a school for students with visual impairments. Notable educational institutions in the area include the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Drake University.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Boone, Iowa includes several major transportation routes, including U.S. Route 30 and Iowa Highway 17. The city is also served by the Boone Municipal Airport, a public airport that offers flights to Des Moines International Airport and other destinations. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, with bus services operated by the CyRide and Des Moines Area Regional Transit systems. The area is also close to several major railroad lines, including the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway. Notable infrastructure projects in the area include the Iowa Highway 100 and the U.S. Route 20 upgrades. Category:Cities in Iowa