History

Founded because of the expansion of the Chicago-Illinois Railroad, Alta is the highest town in the state of Iowa. While some claim that the town was named for this altitude, the true origin of the name Alta is still disputed. It is known that railroad president John I. Blair named the depot Alta in 1870, but his reasons for choosing the name are unclear. While Mr. Blair may have named the town for its high altitude, it is also possible that he named it in honor of his daughter Altai Blair.

Settlers began to take residence in Alta in 1869. One of the first commercial structures in the town was the railroad depot, followed by a post office. In 1872, a land company laid out town of Alta. The orignial plat consisted of four blocks. Hearing of this new settlement, P.G. Peterson of Chicago moved to Alta to start a hotel and help establish a good town. Soon after, a group of tradesmen and businessmen followed from the Chicago area bringing several businesses to the rapidly growing community. These new businesses included an elevator, a blacksmith shop, a hardware store, a general mercantile, a medical practice, and a law firm.

The Incorporation papers were filed for "Incorporated Town of Alta, Buena Vista County, Iowa" on November 11, 1878 at the State Land Office at the Capitol in Des Moines.

 

CHAMBER • CITY INFORMATION • COMMUNITY CALENDAR • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOLF COURSES • HISTORY • HOUSING • JOB OPPORTUNITIES • LIBRARY • LOCATION • RACEWAY
REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER • SCHOOLS • UTILITIES • WIND TURBINES • WORSHIP