What is Lee County and where is it located?

Lee County is a county situated in the U.S. state of Iowa. It holds the distinction of being the southernmost county within Iowa.

What was the population of Lee County according to the 2020 census?

As per the 2020 United States Census, the population of Lee County was recorded as 33,555 individuals.

What is unique about the county seats of Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County is unique among Iowa counties because it has two county seats: Fort Madison and Keokuk. This dual-seat arrangement is not found in any other county in the state.

What statistical area does Lee County belong to?

Lee County is part of the Fort Madison–Keokuk, IA–IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area. This designation indicates a significant economic and social connection between these communities and surrounding areas across state lines.

When was Lee County established?

Lee County was established in the year 1836.

What is the significance of Fort Madison in the county's history?

Fort Madison's history dates back to the War of 1812, indicating its early strategic importance in the region. It is also the largest city in Lee County.

What was the Half-Breed Tract and its significance in Lee County's history?

The Half-Breed Tract was an area established by treaty in 1824 within Lee County. It was designated for the allocation of land to American Indian descendants who had European fathers and Indian mothers. Initially, the land was intended to be held in common, but later, individual sales were permitted, facilitating European-American settlement.

Under which territorial jurisdictions was Lee County formed and later placed?

Lee County was initially formed on December 7, 1836, under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Territory. Subsequently, it became part of the Iowa Territory when that territory was established on July 4, 1838.

When did large-scale European-American settlement begin in Lee County?

Large-scale settlement by European Americans in Lee County commenced in 1839. This followed a congressional decision that allowed landowners within the Half-Breed Tract to sell their allocated lands individually.

What role did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints play in the early settlement of Lee County?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, fleeing persecution in Missouri, settled in the Illinois and Iowa region. While Nauvoo, Illinois, became a major center, a Latter-day Saints stake was also organized in Lee County under John Smith, the uncle of Joseph Smith. This settlement was facilitated by land purchased from Isaac Galland in 1839.

Why does Lee County have two county seats?

Lee County has two county seats, Fort Madison and Keokuk, because disagreements in 1847 led to the establishment of a second court jurisdiction. This historical division resulted in the designation of two separate seats of county government.

How has Lee County's population changed since its early days?

Lee County's population grew significantly from approximately 18,861 in 1850 to a peak of around 44,000 people in 1960. Since 1960, the population has experienced a continuous decrease, with the 2020 census recording 33,555 residents, a level comparable to the population figures between 1860 and 1870.

What are the proposed origins for the name "Lee County"?

There is no definitive consensus on the origin of the name "Lee." Proposed sources include the "Marsh, Delevan & Lee" company of Albany, New York, who were involved with the Half-Breed Tract; Robert E. Lee, who surveyed the Des Moines Rapids; and Albert Lea, an explorer who assisted in mapping the interior of Iowa.

What is the total area of Lee County, and how much of it is water?

Lee County covers a total area of 539 square miles (1,400 km²). Of this, 518 square miles (1,340 km²) is land, and 21 square miles (50 km²) is water, which constitutes approximately 4.0% of the total area.

Where is the lowest point in the state of Iowa located?

The lowest point in the state of Iowa is situated on the Mississippi River in Keokuk, within Lee County. This is where the river exits Iowa and flows into Missouri and Illinois.

Which major U.S. Highways and Iowa Highways serve Lee County?

Lee County is served by U.S. Highway 61, U.S. Highway 136, and U.S. Highway 218. Additionally, Iowa Highway 2, Iowa Highway 16, and Iowa Highway 27 also pass through the county.

What transit facility is mentioned in Lee County?

The Fort Madison station is mentioned as a transit facility within Lee County.

Which counties and Illinois counties are adjacent to Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County is bordered by Henry County to the north and Des Moines County to the northeast. To the east, across the Mississippi River, lie Henderson County and Hancock County in Illinois. To the south and west, it is adjacent to Clark County in Missouri and Van Buren County in Iowa, respectively.

What was the population density of Lee County in 2020?

In 2020, the population density of Lee County was approximately 62.0765 people per square mile (23.9679 people per square kilometer).

What percentage of Lee County's population reported being of a single race in the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 census, 94.67% of Lee County's population reported belonging to one race.

How many housing units were in Lee County in 2020, and how many were occupied?

In 2020, Lee County had a total of 15,858 housing units, with 14,036 of them being occupied.

What was the racial composition of Lee County in 2020, according to census data?

In the 2020 census, the racial composition of Lee County was predominantly White (89.1%), with smaller percentages identifying as Black or African American (3%), Asian (0.41%), Native American (0.14%), Pacific Islander (0.02%), and Other/Mixed races (4.4%). Additionally, 3.31% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

What was the population density of Lee County in 2010?

The population density of Lee County in 2010 was approximately 69.3133 people per square mile (26.7620 people per square kilometer).

Describe the racial makeup of Lee County as recorded in the 2000 census.

In the year 2000, the racial makeup of Lee County was reported as 94.24% White, 2.80% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.03% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Additionally, 2.37% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

What were the average household and family sizes in Lee County in 2000?

In 2000, the average household size in Lee County was 2.41 people, and the average family size was 2.93 people.

What was the median age in Lee County in 2000, and how was the population distributed by age?

The median age in Lee County in 2000 was 40 years. The population distribution showed 24.40% under 18, 7.80% between 18 and 24, 26.70% between 25 and 44, 24.60% between 45 and 64, and 16.50% aged 65 and older.

What was the median income for households and families in Lee County in 2000?

In 2000, the median income for a household in Lee County was $36,193, and the median income for a family was $42,658. The per capita income for the county was $18,430.

What percentage of families and the population were below the poverty line in Lee County in 2000?

In 2000, approximately 7.10% of families and 9.70% of the total population in Lee County were living below the poverty line. This included 12.60% of those under 18 and 9.60% of those aged 65 or over.

What are the cities located within Lee County, Iowa?

The cities within Lee County include Donnellson, Fort Madison, Franklin, Houghton, Keokuk, Montrose, St. Paul, and West Point.

Which census-designated places (CDPs) are located in Lee County?

The census-designated places in Lee County are Argyle, Denmark, Mooar, Sandusky, and Wever.

What unincorporated communities can be found in Lee County?

Unincorporated communities in Lee County include Charleston, Croton, Mount Hamill, New Boston, Pilot Grove, Primrose, Viele, and Vincennes.

List the townships that comprise Lee County, Iowa.

The townships in Lee County are Cedar, Charleston, Denmark, Des Moines, Franklin, Green Bay, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, Montrose, Pleasant Ridge, Van Buren, Washington, and West Point.

According to the 2020 census, what was the population ranking of the cities in Lee County?

Based on the 2020 census, Fort Madison ranked first with a population of 10,270, followed by Keokuk with 9,900. West Point was third with 921 residents, Donnellson fourth with 885, and Montrose fifth with 738. Denmark was the most populous CDP with 425 residents.

Who are some notable individuals associated with Lee County, Iowa?

Notable individuals associated with Lee County include pioneer settler Cleng Peerson, naturalist Richard Proenneke, singer-songwriter William Elliott Whitmore, NBA player Ryan Bowen, former University of Michigan President James Duderstadt, W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company founder Walter A. Sheaffer, and U.S. Senator George Henry Williams.

How has Lee County voted in recent presidential elections, and when did its political leaning shift?

Historically, Lee County leaned Democratic, voting for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election from 1984 to 2012. However, in 2016, the county experienced a significant shift, voting strongly for Republican Donald Trump by a wide margin, representing a swing of over 31 percentage points compared to the 2012 election.

Which school districts serve Lee County, Iowa?

The school districts serving Lee County include the Central Lee Community School District, Fort Madison Community School District, Keokuk Community School District, Mount Pleasant Community School District, and Van Buren County Community School District.

What is the significance of the Lee County Courthouse in Fort Madison?

The Lee County Courthouse in Fort Madison is noted as being the original and oldest courthouse in use within the county.

What is the significance of the building in Keokuk mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Keokuk served as a Federal courthouse and post office and is also designated as a Lee County Courthouse in use.

What is the official website for Lee County government?

The official website for Lee County government is www.leecounty.org.

What is the geographic coordinate location of Lee County, Iowa?

The geographic coordinates for Lee County, Iowa are approximately 40.642777777778°N latitude and 91.474444444444°W longitude.

What is the time zone observed in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6. During daylight saving time, it shifts to UTC-5 (CDT).

In which U.S. Congressional district is Lee County located?

Lee County is part of Iowa's 1st congressional district.

What was the population of Lee County in 1870, and how did it compare to the 2020 population?

In 1870, Lee County had a population of 37,210. This is higher than the 2020 population of 33,555, indicating a population decline from the late 19th century to the early 21st century.

What was the percentage change in population for Lee County between 1990 and 2000?

Between the 1990 census and the 2000 census, Lee County experienced a population decrease of 1.6%.

What was the percentage change in population for Lee County between 2010 and 2020?

From the 2010 census to the 2020 census, Lee County's population decreased by 6.4%.

What was the estimated population of Lee County in 2023, and what was the percentage change from 2020?

The estimated population for Lee County in 2023 was 32,565. This represents a decrease of approximately 3.0% from the 2020 census figure.

Which U.S. Presidential election saw the largest percentage of votes cast for a third party in Lee County, according to the provided table?

The 1912 United States presidential election saw the largest percentage of votes cast for third parties in Lee County, with 30.67% of the vote going to third-party candidates.

In which year did Lee County last vote for a Democratic presidential candidate, according to the table?

According to the provided table, Lee County last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 2012.

What was the percentage of the vote for the Republican candidate in Lee County in the 2020 Presidential election?

In the 2020 United States presidential election, the Republican candidate received 58.40% of the vote in Lee County.

What was the percentage of the vote for the Democratic candidate in Lee County in the 2020 Presidential election?

In the 2020 United States presidential election, the Democratic candidate received 39.09% of the vote in Lee County.

What was the percentage of the vote for the Republican candidate in Lee County in the 2024 Presidential election?

In the 2024 United States presidential election, the Republican candidate received 62.67% of the vote in Lee County.

Lee County Iowa Wiki: Lee County: Iowa's Southern Heritage and Crossroads

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County Overview

Dual County Seats

Lee County, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being Iowa's southernmost county. Uniquely, it is the only county in Iowa with two county seats: Fort Madison and Keokuk. This dual administration reflects its historical development and geographic spread.

Strategic Location

Situated along the Mississippi River, Lee County serves as a significant geographical and historical crossroads. Its location at the border of Illinois and Missouri has shaped its development, trade, and cultural interactions throughout its history.

Population Snapshot

As of the 2020 census, Lee County had a population of 33,555 residents. While the county experienced population growth through the mid-20th century, it has seen a gradual decline since 1960, with recent estimates indicating a continued decrease.

Historical Tapestry

Early Foundations

The area that would become Lee County was part of the Half-Breed Tract, established by treaty in 1824. Fort Madison, a key settlement, dates back to the War of 1812. The county was officially formed under Wisconsin Territory jurisdiction in 1836, later becoming part of Iowa Territory in 1838.

Settlement and Growth

Large-scale European-American settlement began in 1839. The county also saw significant settlement by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who established a stake in the area. Disagreements led to the establishment of a second court jurisdiction and county seat in Keokuk in 1847.

Population Dynamics

Lee County's population grew steadily from its early days, reaching a peak of approximately 44,000 residents in 1960. Since then, the population has experienced a consistent decline, returning to levels seen in the late 19th century.

Geographical Landscape

Area and Waterways

Lee County encompasses a total area of 539 square miles (1,400 km²), with 518 square miles (1,340 km²) of land and 21 square miles (54 km²) of water, representing about 4.0% of its total area. The Mississippi River forms its eastern boundary.

Lowest Point in Iowa

Remarkably, the lowest elevation point in the entire state of Iowa is located within Lee County. This point is situated on the Mississippi River in Keokuk, marking where the river exits the state into Missouri and Illinois.

Transportation Network

Key transportation routes traverse Lee County, including U.S. Highways 61, 136, and 218, along with various Iowa state highways. The county also has historical rail transit connections, notably through Fort Madison.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

The county's population peaked in 1960 and has seen a steady decline since. The 2020 census recorded 33,555 residents, with a further estimated decrease to 32,565 by 2023. The population density is approximately 62 residents per square mile.

Historical population figures for Lee County:

Year	Population	% Change
1850	18,861	—
1860	29,565	56.8%
1870	37,210	25.9%
1880	34,859	-6.3%
1900	39,719	5.3%
1960	44,207	2.6%
2000	38,052	-1.6%
2010	35,862	-5.8%
2020	33,555	-6.4%
2023 (est.)	32,565	-3.0%

Racial Composition

The demographic makeup of Lee County, based on the 2020 census, shows a predominantly White population. A significant majority of residents identify as White, with smaller percentages identifying as Black or African American, Asian, or belonging to other racial groups or mixed heritage.

Racial composition of Lee County (2020 Census):

Race	Number	Percentage
White (Non-Hispanic)	29,888	89.1%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)	896	3.0%
Native American (Non-Hispanic)	48	0.14%
Asian (Non-Hispanic)	139	0.41%
Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic)	8	0.02%
Other/Mixed Race (Non-Hispanic)	1,466	4.4%
Hispanic or Latino	1,110	3.31%

Communities and Townships

Cities and CDPs

Lee County is home to several incorporated cities and census-designated places (CDPs). Fort Madison and Keokuk stand out as the county's largest cities and its dual county seats, serving as centers for commerce and administration.

Cities:

Donnellson
Fort Madison
Franklin
Houghton
Keokuk
Montrose
St. Paul
West Point

Census-Designated Places (CDPs):

Argyle
Denmark
Mooar
Sandusky
Wever

Township Governance

The county is further divided into numerous civil townships, which historically played a role in local governance and administration. These townships cover the rural areas and smaller unincorporated communities within Lee County.

Townships include:

Cedar
Charleston
Denmark
Des Moines
Franklin
Green Bay
Harrison
Jackson
Jefferson
Madison
Marion
Montrose
Pleasant Ridge
Van Buren
Washington
West Point

Population Ranking

The population distribution among Lee County's municipalities shows a clear hierarchy, with Fort Madison and Keokuk leading significantly in population size. Other communities serve smaller, localized populations.

Rank	Municipality	Type	Population (2020)
1	Fort Madison	City	10,270
2	Keokuk	City	9,900
3	West Point	City	921
4	Donnellson	City	885
5	Montrose	City	738
6	Denmark	CDP	425
7	Mooar	CDP	321
8	Sandusky	CDP	297
9	Houghton	City	141
10	Franklin	City	131
11	St. Paul	City	109
12	Wever	CDP	101
13	Argyle	CDP	91

Notable Figures

Diverse Contributions

Lee County has been the birthplace or home to individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including arts, business, sports, and public service. Their achievements reflect the diverse heritage and opportunities within the region.

Richard Proenneke (1916–2003): Renowned naturalist and filmmaker, known for his documentary "Alone in the Wilderness."
William Elliott Whitmore (born 1978): Acclaimed singer-songwriter with roots in the county.
Howard Hughes Sr.: Businessman and inventor, father of the famous aviator Howard Hughes, had ties to the area.
Walter A. Sheaffer: Founder of the W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company, a significant industrialist.
Bud Fowler (1858–1913): Recognized as the first professional African American baseball player.
Annie Turner Wittenmyer: Prominent social reformer and relief worker, active in the 19th century.
Thomas M. Hoenig: Former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Political Landscape

Shifting Allegiances

Historically, Lee County leaned Democratic for several decades, particularly from the mid-20th century through the early 21st century. However, a notable shift occurred in the 2016 presidential election, with the county strongly favoring the Republican candidate, marking a significant political realignment.

Lee County Presidential Election Results Summary:

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Party
1984	49.17%	50.04%	0.79%
1988	36.02%	63.11%	0.87%
1992	27.85%	54.61%	17.54%
2000	38.25%	58.12%	3.63%
2008	40.99%	57.00%	2.01%
2012	41.17%	56.65%	2.18%
2016	54.50%	38.48%	7.02%
2020	58.40%	39.09%	2.51%
2024	62.67%	34.94%	2.39%

Educational Institutions

School Districts

Lee County is served by several community school districts, providing educational services to its young residents. These districts manage elementary, middle, and high school education across the county's various communities.

Current School Districts:

Central Lee Community School District
Fort Madison Community School District
Keokuk Community School District
Mount Pleasant Community School District
Van Buren County Community School District

Note: Harmony Community School District is a former district.

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References

North Lee County Historical Society, Museums USA, accessed August 11, 2008

Naming of Iowa Counties. The Annals of Iowa. 36 (1962), 395-400. ISSN 0003-4827

"James B. Howell," National Cyclopaedia of American Biography: Volume 9. New York: James T. White and Company, 1899; pg. 450.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Lee County, Iowa Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding history, geography, demographics, or any other specialized field. Always consult with qualified professionals and refer to official sources for critical decisions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Lee County: Iowa's Southern Heritage and Crossroads

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

County Overview 📍

🏛️ Dual County Seats

🗺️ Strategic Location

📊 Population Snapshot

Historical Tapestry 📜

⏳ Early Foundations

🤝 Settlement and Growth

📈 Population Dynamics

Geographical Landscape 🌳

📏 Area and Waterways

⬇️ Lowest Point in Iowa

🛣️ Transportation Network

Demographic Profile 👥

📈 Population Trends

🌍 Racial Composition

Communities and Townships 🏘️

🏙️ Cities and CDPs

🏞️ Township Governance

🏆 Population Ranking

Notable Figures 👤

🌟 Diverse Contributions

Political Landscape 🗳️

⚖️ Shifting Allegiances

Educational Institutions 🎓

🏫 School Districts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

County Overview

Dual County Seats

Strategic Location

Population Snapshot

Historical Tapestry

Early Foundations

Settlement and Growth

Population Dynamics

Geographical Landscape

Area and Waterways

Lowest Point in Iowa

Transportation Network

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Racial Composition

Communities and Townships

Cities and CDPs

Township Governance

Population Ranking

Notable Figures

Diverse Contributions

Political Landscape

Shifting Allegiances

Educational Institutions

School Districts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice