Communia, Iowa facts for kids

Communia is a small, unincorporated community in Clayton County, Iowa, United States. It's a place that doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. This area was first started as a German settlement in 1847.

History of Communia

In early 1847, a group of ten pioneers decided to find new land. Nine of them were German, and one was French. They met in St. Louis and traveled north by steamer to the area near Dubuque.

After buying supplies, the group walked with one wagon and three oxen. They headed to the northwestern part of Volga Township.

Building the Community

After resting for one night, the men immediately started building. In their first year, they built three log houses and a blacksmith shop. They welcomed anyone who wanted to join their community. It didn't matter how much or how little people could contribute. Over the next few years, the settlement grew and became successful.

The people of Communia were proud of their peaceful and welcoming home. They had good relationships with the local Native American groups. They also traded regularly with other new settlements nearby.

Later Years and Dissolution

In 1851, a German writer and thinker named Wilhelm Weitling came to Communia. He became the person in charge of managing the community.

Even though the colony was successful for a while, it eventually ended in 1858. Many families sold their land and property. By 1902, only 12 people lived in Communia. The population was still 12 in 1940.