Denmark, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denmark, Iowa
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Denmark, Iowa
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 Denmark, Iowa
Location in Iowa
Denmark, Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Lee |
| Township | Denmark |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.66 sq mi (4.31 km2) |
| • Land | 1.66 sq mi (4.30 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 425 |
| • Density | 255.87/sq mi (98.80/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
52624
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| FIPS code | 1919990 |
| GNIS feature ID | 455882 |
Denmark is a small community in Lee County, Iowa, United States. It is considered an unincorporated community and a census-designated place. Denmark is located along Iowa Highway 16, just north of Fort Madison. Fort Madison is the main city in Lee County.
Denmark sits about 722 feet (220 meters) above sea level. Even though it is a small community, Denmark has its own post office. This post office first opened on April 7, 1846. The town also has a branch of Farmers Savings Bank, which started in 1935. In 2020, about 425 people lived in Denmark. The town was first planned around 1837.
Contents
History of Denmark, Iowa
Early Settlers and Community Building
In 1836, four families moved to Denmark from New Ipswich, New Hampshire. At that time, Denmark was part of the Wisconsin Territory. Soon after, eight more families followed them. These families wanted to build a community based on good values and smart planning for the future.
Focus on Education and Freedom
The early settlers of Denmark gave half of their town lots to support education. They built a church and an academy, similar to what they had in New Ipswich. The church they started is the oldest Congregational church in Iowa. These settlers were also strong supporters of freedom.
Under the leadership of their pastor, Rev. Asa Turner, they helped elect Governor Grimes in 1854. This election changed Iowa's political history and helped start the Republican party in the United States. Rev. Turner was a good friend of Rev. Mr. Lee, and they had studied together at Yale College. Rev. Turner was a pastor in Denmark for 30 years. His influence encouraged 11 young men from Andover Seminary to come to Iowa. They were known as the "Iowa Band." One of them was Rev. Ephraim Adams, who wrote about their history.
Education in Denmark
Local Schools and District Information
The Fort Madison Community School District serves the students in Denmark. This district includes Lincoln and Richardson elementary schools. It also has Fort Madison Middle School and Fort Madison High School. Students from Denmark attend these schools.
Denmark Elementary School's Past
Denmark used to have its own school called Denmark Elementary School. In 1998, about 305 students attended this school. It started from the Denmark Academy, which was founded in 1845. The original school building was destroyed by a fire around 1924.
In 2012, the school district decided to tear down Denmark Elementary. The superintendent, Ken Marang, said the building was "outdated." It had problems like mold and water leaks. Also, the way the doors opened into the hallways made it "unsafe." Around 2013, some local residents wanted the school building removed and the land given back to the community.
Notable People from Denmark
- Frank Leverett: A famous geologist, he was born near Denmark.
- Catharine Van Valkenburg Waite: She was an activist for women's right to vote, an author, and a lawyer. She lived in Denmark when she was a child.
- Ephraim Adams: He was one of the town's founders. He was also a missionary, a minister, and worked to end slavery. He helped found Iowa College and was its first President of the board of Trustees. He moved to Denmark in 1843 when he was 25 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Denmark (Iowa) para niños
