Westside, Iowa is a small city located in Pottawattamie County in the western part of the state. It is situated along the Missouri River and has a population of just over 1,700 people. The city’s geography is unique and provides a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as scenic views.
Westside is surrounded by rolling hills and bluffs that provide breathtaking views of the river and surrounding countryside. The area’s topography includes prairies, wooded areas, and wetlands which are all home to a variety of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
The city is also home to two large lakes: Lake Manawa State Park and West Lake Park. Both parks offer visitors access to swimming beaches, fishing piers, boat launches, picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails for hiking or biking, and other amenities.
The Missouri River forms the western boundary of Westside while Interstate 29 runs along its northern edge providing easy access to Omaha or Des Moines for those looking to explore further afield. The city itself consists mainly of residential neighborhoods with some commercial areas located near the interstate interchange.
In addition to being an ideal spot for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, Westside also has a vibrant cultural scene with several local historic sites such as the original Westside High School building which dates back to 1868 or the Old Westside Cemetery which was established in 1845. There are also several local festivals throughout the year celebrating everything from music to art which bring visitors from all over Iowa into town.
Overall, Westside offers something for everyone whether they’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to explore some local history and culture.
History of Westside, Iowa
Westside, Iowa is a small city located in Pottawattamie County in the western part of the state. The area was first settled by European settlers in the early 19th century and was officially incorporated as a city on January 1, 1876.
The town was initially settled by farmers from Ohio and Indiana who were drawn to the fertile land along the Missouri River. These early settlers established farms and raised crops such as corn, wheat, and oats which they sold to markets in Omaha or St. Louis.
In 1868, Westside High School was built which served as the town’s only high school until it was closed down in 1930 due to declining enrollment. The building is still standing today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town grew steadily throughout the late 19th century thanks to an influx of immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and other parts of Europe who were looking for a better life in America. By 1900, Westside had become an important commercial center for nearby towns with several stores selling groceries, hardware supplies, clothing, and other goods.
In addition to farming and commerce, Westside also became known for its coal mining industry which provided employment for many local residents during the first half of the 20th century. The city’s coal mines produced high-quality coal that was exported all over Iowa and surrounding states until they closed down in 1975 due to competition from cheaper sources of energy such as natural gas or oil.
Today, Westside is still a small but vibrant community that has maintained much of its historic charm while also embracing modern development such as new businesses or housing developments. Despite its small size it continues to be an important part of Pottawattamie County’s economy with many residents still employed in farming or manufacturing industries.
Economy of Westside, Iowa
Westside, Iowa is a small city located in Pottawattamie County in the western part of the state. Despite its small size, Westside has grown to become an important part of the county’s economy over the years. The city has traditionally been driven by farming and manufacturing industries, which have provided employment for many local residents.
Agriculture has been at the core of Westside’s economy since its founding in 1876. The town was initially settled by farmers from Ohio and Indiana who were drawn to the fertile land along the Missouri River. These early settlers established farms and raised crops such as corn, wheat, and oats which they sold to markets in Omaha or St. Louis. Today, many of these same families are still working their own land or leasing it out to other local farmers.
In addition to farming, manufacturing has also been an important sector of Westside’s economy over the years. The town became known for its coal mining industry which provided employment for many local residents during the first half of the 20th century until it closed down in 1975 due to competition from cheaper sources of energy such as natural gas or oil. Today, there are several factories located around Westside that produce a variety of goods ranging from auto parts to food products.
Westside also boasts a vibrant commercial sector with several stores selling groceries, hardware supplies, clothing, and other goods. The town is home to several restaurants offering cuisine from all around the world as well as several pubs and bars for locals looking for a night out on the town. Additionally, there are numerous boutiques and specialty shops that offer unique gifts or souvenirs that can only be found in Westside.
Overall, Westside is a small but vibrant community with an economy driven by both agriculture and manufacturing industries as well as a thriving commercial sector that provides employment opportunities for locals while also attracting visitors from all around Pottawattamie County.
Politics in Westside, Iowa
Politics in Westside, Iowa are largely driven by the local community and its values. As a small city of just over 4,000 people, Westside is a tight-knit community that takes pride in its independence and self-sufficiency. The local government is made up of a mayor, four city council members, and an appointed city manager who are all elected to two-year terms.
The mayor of Westside is the chief executive of the city government and is responsible for setting policy goals and ensuring that the town’s needs are met. The mayor also presides over all meetings of the City Council and appoints members to various boards or commissions as needed. The four City Council members each represent a specific district within Westside and are responsible for making decisions about local policies such as taxes, zoning laws, public safety measures, and other important matters.
Westside’s political environment is characterized by strong civic engagement from its citizens. Residents regularly attend City Council meetings to voice their opinions on issues ranging from development projects to public safety concerns. Additionally, there are several organizations in town dedicated to promoting civic engagement such as the League of Women Voters which holds regular events throughout the year focused on educating residents about their rights or current topics affecting the community.
In general, Westside citizens tend to be politically moderate with many leaning towards conservative values while still recognizing the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection or social justice initiatives. Locals have also been known to support causes related to animal rights or LGBTQ+ rights which reflects their commitment to creating an inclusive community for all residents regardless of race or sexuality.
Overall, politics in Westside are largely driven by its citizens’ commitment to creating a safe and prosperous environment for everyone who calls this small Iowa town home.
