Clay County is made up of communities both large and small, each adding its own character to the county. Spencer serves as the hub for shopping, dining, and events, while our smaller towns showcase the traditions, history, and neighborly spirit that define rural Iowa. Together, these communities create a welcoming place for visitors to explore and a strong home for the people who live here.
Founding date/year: 1886
Population: 146 (2020 Census)
In 1880, Dickens was first settled by the Dickerson brothers and believed to be one source for the “Dickens” name along with the story of a lady exclaiming “Dickens” when their first town name choice was already taken for Iowa.
Founding date/year: 1901
Population: 575 (2020 Census)
Famous Alumni: 1960s Cattlefeeder girl’s team members Jeannette Olson Lietz and Peg Peterson Tyler, Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame Everly was settled in 1884 and originally named Clark after a local farmer but, after finding another Iowa town by the name of Clarke, they changed it to Everly in 1886.The Everly Bank was robbed by […]
Founding date/year: January 30, 1912
Population: 230 (2020 Census)
Fostoria was first settled in 1882 due to the railroad line from Spencer to Spirit Lake. In 1895 a group of farmers created the Fostoria Creamery Company that earned the reputation for the best “sweet cream butter.” This butter was shipped and sold in New York City until after WWII when population of dairy cows […]
Founding date/year: 1874
Population: 32
First settlers appeared in Gillett Grove in 1856 and the town, named after the Gillett brothers, was incorporated on May 13, 1874. The town was originally located west of the river and one and half miles North until 1899 when it was moved to the east side of the river along with the arrival of […]
Founding date/year: 1916
Population: 30 (2020 Census)
Albert and Lizzie Greene settled in 1869 half mile south of the current Greenville location. 1900 saw the railroad pass through from Storm Lake to Spencer, easily connecting Greenville to both communities. Greenville was incorporated in 1916. The town also was the earliest Friends Church in Clay County, being present from 1879 until 1981 when […]
Founding date/year: 1856
Population: 325
Rossie began in 1900 as the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad line passed through the county from Des Moines to Sibley. Originally residents wanted to name the community Davis but due to Davis, Iowa already existing they came up with Rossie. Rossie was incorporated in 1923 and had one of the few banks in […]
Founding date/year: 1923
Population: 49 (2020 Census)
Rossie began in 1900 as the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad line passed through the county from Des Moines to Sibley. Originally residents wanted to name the community Davis but due to Davis, Iowa already existing they came up with Rossie. Rossie was incorporated in 1923 and had one of the few banks in […]
Founding date/year: 1910
Population: 379 (2020 Census)
Started April 27, 1900, when Mr. C. Mortensen purchased 160 acres from the Northern Iowa Land Co. Lots were platted soon after. Eliza Nelson chose the name of Royal as the first postmaster of the town. Royal was incorporated in 1910.
Founding date/year: 1871
Population: 11,356 (2020 Census)
Famous Alumni: Vicki Myron, bestselling author of Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World; Alumni Lt. Gen. Michelle D Johnson of the Air Force, former senior vice president and head of referee operations for the National Basketball Association Claim to fame: Spencer Fire – On June 27, 1931 a fire started in a downtown business that […]
Founding date/year: 1900
Population: 138 (2020 Census)
Webb was founded in 1900 as a rural based community with strong family values. Webb was originally known as Glenora, but F.D. White changed the name to Webb, in honor of his mother’s maiden name. The town once boasted four grocery stores, two creameries, three filling stations, and a band stand. Stores were open on […]
