Calamus, Iowa is situated in the rolling hills of the Loess Hills region of southwestern Iowa. It is located in Clinton County, about 30 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids and about 165 miles from Des Moines. The city is nestled in a rural landscape surrounded by corn and soybean fields and small wooded areas. The community has a population of roughly 300 people and its economy is based mainly on agriculture and small businesses. The city is also home to two churches, a fire station, a post office, and several small businesses.
The town has several parks that provide outdoor recreational activities for its residents and visitors alike. Calamus Park has picnic areas, playground equipment, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, walking trails, basketball courts and more. Just outside the city limits lies Lake Sugema which offers fishing opportunities for anglers as well as swimming beaches for those wanting to cool off during hot summer days. There are also several other smaller ponds in the area that are popular spots for fishing or just enjoying nature’s beauty while taking a relaxing stroll around them.
History of Calamus, Iowa
The history of Calamus, Iowa is a story of small-town life and growth. Located in Clinton County, the town was founded in 1854 by settlers from Ohio who named it for Calamus Creek. The first post office was established in 1858 and the town quickly grew to include a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and several other businesses. In 1875 the town was incorporated with a population of about 200 people.
Until the early 1900s, farming was the main industry in Calamus. But with advances in technology and transportation, businesses began to move into town including a creamery, feed mill, lumberyard and coal mine. As more people moved into the area to work at these businesses, Calamus’ population grew to nearly 500 by 1910.
In 1945, an airport was built just south of town which provided employment opportunities for many of its residents as well as access to larger cities such as Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. The city’s population peaked at around 800 people before declining steadily throughout the late 20th century due to out-migration from rural areas across Iowa. Today, there are approximately 300 people still living in Calamus but it remains an important part of Clinton County’s history and culture.
Economy of Calamus, Iowa
According to allcountrylist, the economy of Calamus, Iowa is largely based on small businesses and agriculture. The town is home to a variety of small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, and auto repair shops. These businesses provide employment opportunities for the local population and help drive the local economy.
Agriculture is also an important part of the local economy in Calamus. The area is home to a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, hay, and oats. Dairy farming is also common in the area with many farms raising cows for their milk production. Local farmers also raise chickens and hogs for their meat production which helps diversify the local economy.
In recent years, there has been an increase in agritourism activities in the area as well. Many farms offer visitors a chance to pick their own fruits and vegetables or take tours of the farms to learn more about how they operate. This has been a great way to bring more people into the area which helps support local businesses as well as providing additional income for farmers.
The city of Calamus also offers several tax incentives which have helped attract new businesses to town over the years. These incentives include property tax abatement programs, business-friendly zoning ordinances, and low-interest loans for start-up companies. These incentives have helped create jobs in Calamus while bringing much needed economic growth to the area.
Politics in Calamus, Iowa
The politics of Calamus, Iowa are reflective of the small town atmosphere. The city is governed by a five-person City Council that meets twice a month to discuss and vote on matters affecting the community. The council members are elected by the citizens of Calamus and serve four-year terms. The Mayor is elected separately and also serves a four-year term.
The political atmosphere in Calamus is largely conservative with most people voting for Republican candidates in state and national elections. However, there is also some support for Democratic candidates as well due to the strong agricultural presence in the area.
Calamus also has its own local government which consists of departments such as Public Works, Law Enforcement, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Zoning, and Economic Development. These departments help ensure that all citizens have access to services such as trash removal, police protection, parks maintenance, zoning regulations enforcement, and economic development initiatives.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on economic development within Calamus with the city implementing various initiatives to attract new businesses to town. These initiatives include tax incentives such as property tax abatement programs and business-friendly zoning ordinances which have helped bring new jobs into the area while encouraging existing businesses to expand their operations.
Calamus is a small town with a friendly political atmosphere where citizens are invested in their community’s future success. Through continued collaboration between local government officials and residents alike, everyone can work together to make sure that Calamus remains a great place to live for years to come.
