LaMoille, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
LaMoille, Iowa
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 LaMoille, Iowa
Location in Iowa
LaMoille, Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Marshall |
| Established | 1867 |
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
50158
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| Area code(s) | 641 |
LaMoille is a small, rural place in Marshall County, Iowa, United States. It's not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it's an unincorporated community. You can find LaMoille about halfway between the cities of Marshalltown and State Center.
History of LaMoille
LaMoille has an interesting history, especially with how land was settled and how railroads helped it grow.
Early Land Purchases
In August 1855, two men, James B. Abell and Bryon G. Brown, bought land where LaMoille is now. Each bought 80 acres in Washington Township. They paid $1.50 for each acre at a government office in Iowa City. The main street of LaMoille today actually sits on the line between their two original land sections.
The Railroad Arrives
In the spring of 1863, surveyors for the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad started planning their route. They chose a path along the north side of Linn Creek. This area was good because the land sloped gently, making it easier to build tracks.
The railroad built a bridge over Linn Creek. This creek was known for its quick floods, even back then. About a mile and a half west of where LaMoille is now, the railroad built a depot (a train station) and a water tank. This was important because train engines needed to stop for water about every seven miles.
Town is Established
On November 8, 1867, an employee of the railroad, John L. Stevens, officially planned out the town of LaMoille. He did this under the railroad's direction.
The town was named LaMoille by Issac B. Howe, who was a superintendent for the railroad. He named it after a town called Lamoille in his home state of Vermont. So, LaMoille was officially "laid out" or established in 1867.
