Tourism
Ottumwa Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
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.
Effective 3/20/20: In an attempt to maintain continuity of operations and limit potential exposure to the Corona Virus/COVID-19, the following offices will be closed to the public: The Wapello County Courthouse, Wapello County Community Services/South Central Behavioral Health, Motor Vehicle, Secondary Roads, County Conservation, and the Gothic House Center.
The public is will need to contact the respective county office by telephone using the Department Directory to conduct business until further notice.
Business matters that require immediate attention will be attended to as is necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation!
-Wapello County Board of Supervisors