Calamus, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Calamus, Iowa
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| Motto(s):
A Community that Cares
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Location of Calamus, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Clinton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.49 sq mi (1.28 km2) |
| • Land | 0.49 sq mi (1.28 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 699 ft (213 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 356 |
| • Density | 722.11/sq mi (278.62/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
52729
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| Area code(s) | 563 |
| FIPS code | 19-09820 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0455040 |
Calamus (pronounced 'KAL-uh-mus') is a small town in Clinton County, Iowa, United States. It is located on the historic Lincoln Highway. This was the first road built across the entire U.S. for cars.
Calamus is the only town in Olive Township. In 2020, about 356 people lived there. The town got its name from Calamus Creek. This creek was named after a plant called Acorus calamus, also known as Sweet Flag, which grew there.
Contents
History of Calamus
How Calamus Started
In July 1858, the first railroad was built west from Clinton, Iowa. It was called the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad. Later, it became the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Co. That same year, a man named Joseph D. Fegan was asked to set up a post office. He chose a spot where stagecoach lines and Indian trails met.
This spot was called Syracuse, and it had a small store and a saloon. When asked for a name for the post office, Mr. Fegan noticed Calamus Creek. So, he decided to name the new post office "Calamus." Because of large, wet areas nearby, the post office and train station later moved to where Calamus is today.
Building the Town
The current location of Calamus was planned out in 1860. R. S. Dickinson and Col. Milo Smith owned the land. James Keith opened the first store, selling groceries. It was located near where the Faith Lutheran Church is now.
In 1861, R. S. Dickinson and his son A. L. built the first general store. They sold many different goods and also bought grain from farmers. A few years later, another small store opened.
Thomas Franklin Butterfield built the first grain elevator. This helped farmers store and sell their grain. Before this, they had to take it all the way to Davenport. By 1868, Calamus had two busy grain elevators and four general stores.
Early Hotels and Town Growth
The first hotel in Calamus was built in the early 1860s. It sadly burned down in 1912. Later, the "Commercial Hotel" was built. It even had a stable for horses.
The town was officially planned again on October 9, 1865. Calamus became a legally recognized town in 1876. E. F. Owens was elected as the first Mayor. The town's boundaries were made larger in 1913.
Calamus During the Civil War
In 1860, 149 people voted in Olive Township, where Calamus is. Before the Civil War draft, 79 men from the township volunteered to join the Union Army. This was a very high number compared to the population. The last Civil War veteran from Calamus passed away in 1941.
Geography of Calamus
Calamus is located at 41°49′36″N 90°45′35″W / 41.82667°N 90.75972°W. It is part of Olive Township. The city covers about 0.48 square miles (1.24 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Major Roads Nearby
US 30 is a main highway that passes near Calamus.
Neighboring Towns
Calamus is close to several other towns:
- Lost Nation to the north
- Grand Mound to the east
- Buena Vista to the south (this town was abandoned in 1914)
- Dixon to the south, across the Wapsipinicon River
- Wheatland to the west, also across the Wapsipinicon River
Population and People
| Historical populations | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1880 | 163 | — |
| 1890 | 216 | +32.5% |
| 1900 | 287 | +32.9% |
| 1910 | 270 | −5.9% |
| 1920 | 399 | +47.8% |
| 1930 | 374 | −6.3% |
| 1940 | 384 | +2.7% |
| 1950 | 381 | −0.8% |
| 1960 | 435 | +14.2% |
| 1970 | 396 | −9.0% |
| 1980 | 452 | +14.1% |
| 1990 | 379 | −16.2% |
| 2000 | 394 | +4.0% |
| 2010 | 439 | +11.4% |
| 2020 | 356 | −18.9% |
| Source: and Iowa Data Center Source: |
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2020 Census Information
In 2020, the census showed 356 people living in Calamus. There were 165 households and 103 families. The town had about 722 people per square mile. Most residents, about 95.2%, were White. A small number were Black, Native American, Asian, or from other backgrounds. About 2.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Calamus was 50.1 years old. About 20.5% of residents were under 20. About 25.3% were 65 or older. The town had slightly more males (53.1%) than females (46.9%).
Education in Calamus
The Calamus–Wheatland Community School District runs the public schools for the area. This school district was formed in 1990. Calamus–Wheatland High School is located in Wheatland.
History of Schools
The first school in Calamus was a one-room log building. It was built before 1876. Long benches were used for seats. Miss Julia Cook was the first teacher. Later, a white wooden building was built. In 1902, a red brick school building was built in the same spot. It cost about $3,000.
In 1919, several country school districts joined with Calamus. School buses were bought, which were Model T Fords. They had no heat and seats along the sides. A new, larger school building was finished in 1921. It cost $100,000. This building is still used today. In 1950, six more rooms and a gym were added. More rooms were added in 1964.
Local Media
Calamus has had a few local newspapers over the years. The first paper was called the Free Press. It was started by H. L. Barter. Later, it was called Barter and Sunderlin, but it did not last long.
Another paper was printed in the 1880s, but it also closed quickly. The Calamus Record was the most recent newspaper. It started in 1901 and lasted longer than the others.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Calamus has four county parks where people can enjoy nature:
- Sherman Park
- Syracuse Wildlife area
- Ringneck Marsh Wildlife Management Area
- Mockridge County Wildlife Preserve
Water Trails for Canoeing and Kayaking
- Wapsipinicon River Water Trail is a great place for canoeing and kayaking.
Churches in Calamus
Wesley United Methodist Church
The first church built in Calamus was the Methodist Church in 1869. It had simple plank seats at first. In 1870, a choir area and a bell were added. The church was painted, and chairs replaced the planks.
In 1906, this building was taken down, and a new white brick church was built. It cost about $3,000. A basement was added later for social events. This building burned down on November 4, 1927. The current church building was finished in 1929. It is still used today as Wesley United Methodist Church.
Calamus Lutheran Parish
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The Calamus Lutheran Parish includes two churches: Our Savior’s Kvindherred Lutheran Church (Calamus, Iowa) and Faith Lutheran Church. Both churches share some history. In 1853, Norwegian settlers started a community in Olive Township. They chose a spot southeast of Calamus for their church.
The first church records are from 1861. In 1865, a school was built. The name Kvindherred came from the region in Norway where the settlers were from. By 1877, the Kvindherred Lutheran Church was built. In 1946, its name changed to Our Savior's.
In 1947, people discussed building a new church. One group stayed and remodeled the old church. Another group, with their pastor, started a new church in Calamus. Faith Lutheran Church officially began on July 7, 1950. A house and land were given for a new building.
Since 1972, Faith and Our Savior's churches have worked together. One pastor serves both churches.
Gallery
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Kvindherred Church school at rural Calamus was built in 1865. It was used until the larger church was built in 1877.
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Church façade. By 1877, the Kvindherred Lutheran Church was erected.
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Cemetery
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See also
In Spanish: Calamus (Iowa) para niños
