History Highlights

In 1804, through an Act of Congress, the United States acquired land from France in the Louisiana Purchase. The land was initially divided into two parts, then broken off into territories, and eventually into states. In 1842, Indians still had control of the land that would become Iowa and in 1843, prior to admission of Iowa as a state, the Territorial Council passed an act and organized counties in this territory which generated an influx of sturdy pioneers. On June 1, 1843, the first settlers arrived and settled in Kishkekosh County which was named after a Fox Indian chief.

At first, there was considerable controversy over the choice of locations for the county seat; Princeton or Clark's Point. On August 5, 1845 a committee which was appointed to select the county seat chose Princeton. On January 19, 1846, the Territorial Council changed the county name from Kishkekosh to Monroe County after James Monroe, the author of the Monroe Doctrine and fifth President of the United States. Then later, in 1848, the Iowa Legislature changed the name of Princeton to Albia because there was already a Princeton elsewhere in Iowa.

The first courthouse of Monroe County was a small log cabin, which was rented out for $1 a month when court was not in session. This courthouse was 20 feet square and 14 feet high. It was located on the east side of the public square and had one door and two windows. The contractor was paid $75 when it was completed in 1846. This courthouse was used until 1858 when it was replaced by the second Monroe County courthouse. This building was built of brick at a cost of $10,900 and was located in the center of the town square.

The present stone and brick courthouse replaced the second one on October 26, 1903. The original price tag of this building was to be $75,000 but the actual price ended up being $93,000.

The county population in 1844 was 386. The first vein of coal was discovered on Avery Creek around 1860 and the population swelled to 17,985 by 1900. It peaked in 1910 at 25,429 as Monroe County became the largest coal producing county in the state. When the mines were gone, most of the towns disappeared and the county continued itís prosperity through farming. Several factories came and went, some survived. By the 1960's the community was experiencing high unemployment and people left the county to live elsewhere. The county pulled together, formed a plan, and throughout the 70's, 80's, and 90's community leaders worked to turn things around. The restoration process continues to this day and is an ongoing project. The current population is approximately 8016 county residents and it is through their efforts, pride, and passion that the town of Albia and the county of Monroe continue to exist.