Wapello County was created on February 17, 1843 from Unorganized Territory. The county opened at midnight on April 30, 1843 with several hundred eager settlers camped along the eastern border. At the sound of a shotgun, they
raced towards the “New Purchase” to make their claim. Many conflicts arose over the hastily made boundary lines, which were usually settled peaceably by the claim committees. Within a month 5,000 people lived in Wapello County.