Garner, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Garner, Iowa
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Hancock County Courthouse
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| Motto(s):
The Jewel In The Crown Of Iowa
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Location of Garner, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Hancock |
| Incorporated | November 19, 1881 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.13 sq mi (5.50 km2) |
| • Land | 2.13 sq mi (5.50 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,211 ft (369 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,065 |
| • Density | 1,442.35/sq mi (556.83/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
50438
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| Area code(s) | 641 |
| FIPS code | 19-29955 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0456845 |
Garner is a friendly city located in Hancock County, Iowa, in the United States. It's also the main town, or county seat, for Hancock County. In 2020, about 3,065 people called Garner home. This was a bit more than the 2,922 people who lived there in 2000.
Contents
A Look Back at Garner's History
Garner was named after a civil engineer named Colonel W. W. Garner. He worked on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. In 1870, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway planned out the town. Garner officially became a city in 1881. At that time, only 321 people lived there.
The Duesenberg Brothers' Start
In the 1880s, two brothers, Frederick and August Duesenberg, had a small bicycle shop in Garner. They repaired and sold bicycles. Later, these brothers became very famous for building fancy cars called Duesenberg automobiles. Today, Garner celebrates their legacy with an event called "Duesey Days."
The County Seat's Journey
For a while, the main county building, called the courthouse, was in a place called Concord, about a mile south of Garner. This was back in 1859. Later, in 1865, a new spot for the county seat was chosen. Two small wooden buildings were built in an area called "Hancock Center." A brick building replaced them in 1869.
The courthouse stayed there until 1899. Then, a new courthouse was built right in Garner. This beautiful building still serves the people of Hancock County today.
Famous Visitors and Events
In 1895, a well-known speaker named Billy Sunday held his very first big meeting in Garner. Many people attended and were inspired by his words.
Garner's Location and Size
Garner is located in Iowa, near the East Branch Iowa River. The city covers an area of about 2.06 square miles (5.50 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water inside the city limits.
Who Lives in Garner?
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 321 | — | |
| 1890 | 679 | 111.5% | |
| 1900 | 1,288 | 89.7% | |
| 1910 | 1,028 | −20.2% | |
| 1920 | 1,311 | 27.5% | |
| 1930 | 1,241 | −5.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,549 | 24.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,696 | 9.5% | |
| 1960 | 1,990 | 17.3% | |
| 1970 | 2,257 | 13.4% | |
| 1980 | 2,908 | 28.8% | |
| 1990 | 2,916 | 0.3% | |
| 2000 | 2,922 | 0.2% | |
| 2010 | 3,129 | 7.1% | |
| 2020 | 3,065 | −2.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Garner has changed over the years. You can see how it has grown and shifted in the chart above.
Garner's Population in 2020
In 2020, there were 3,065 people living in Garner. These people lived in 1,325 homes. Most people in Garner were White (about 93.5%). A smaller number of people were Black or African American (1.0%), Native American (0.2%), or Asian (0.2%). About 3.9% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Garner was about 43.5 years old. About a quarter of the residents were under 20 years old. Another quarter were 65 years old or older. The number of males and females in the city was almost equal.
Local Businesses and Manufacturing
Garner is home to several manufacturing companies. These companies make different products.
- Stellar Industries makes special trucks. These include trucks for mechanics, cranes that can lift heavy things, and trucks for changing tires.
- Iowa Mold Tooling Company Inc. also designs and builds trucks. They make trucks for mechanics, trucks for oiling machines, and trucks with cranes.
Garner also has other smaller manufacturing businesses.
Schools in Garner
Garner is part of the Garner–Hayfield–Ventura Community School District. This school district was formed in 2015 when two smaller districts, Garner–Hayfield and Ventura, joined together.
People from Garner You Might Know
Many interesting people have connections to Garner:
- Alvin Baldus (1926–2017) was a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin. He also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Fred (1876–1932) and August Duesenberg (1879–1955) were brothers who became famous car manufacturers. They started their business in Garner.
- Walter E. Edelen (1911–1991) was a businessman and lawmaker in Iowa.
- Dennis Hejlik is a high-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps.
- Henry Rayhons (born 1936) served as an Iowa State Representative.
- William Ashley "Billy" Sunday (1862–1935) was a professional baseball player. He later became a very famous speaker. Garner was where he held his first meetings as a speaker.
- Linda Upmeyer (born 1952) is an Iowa State Representative.
See also
In Spanish: Garner (Iowa) para niños
