Cambria, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cambria, Iowa
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 Cambria, Iowa
Location in Iowa
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| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Wayne |
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 641 |
| GNIS feature ID | 455097 |
Cambria is a small place located in Washington Township, within Wayne County, Iowa, United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
Even though it's not an official city, Cambria has been around for a long time, since 1849! It was quite important early on, even having the very first post office in Wayne County. Today, that post office is closed, and people living in Cambria get their mail from nearby Corydon.
Contents
Discovering Cambria, Iowa
Cambria is a historic community in Iowa with an interesting past. It has seen many changes over the years, from its early days to its connection with the railroad.
A Look Back in Time
A big change happened in 1879 when a train track, part of the CB&Q Railroad, was built about a mile west of Cambria. To be closer to the train, the whole town was actually moved and rebuilt next to the new tracks!
This made Cambria a busy little town. It had many important businesses for the time. These included a grocery store, a hotel, a lumberyard, and places for livestock. There was even a bank called the Cambria Savings Bank. It opened on July 1, 1901, and helped people in the area until July 26, 1926.
The original site of Cambria, before it moved, is where the Cambria Cemetery is located today. This cemetery reminds us of the town's very first beginnings.
The Railroad's Impact
The railroad was very important for Cambria's growth. It helped businesses thrive by making it easier to transport goods and people. However, train service eventually stopped in the mid-1970s. The tracks were removed shortly after that.
Population and Community Life
At its busiest, Cambria had as many as 300 residents. In 1940, the population was recorded as 146 people.
Today, Kirby Park is a special place in the community. It's a focal point where people can gather. The area around Cambria is part of the Wayne Community school district, which provides education for local students.
