As the early settlers moved westward, vast areas of Iowa were explored. The gently rolling hills, fertile valleys and miles
of prairie with its rivers and streams, seemed like the ideal place to homestead. When the treaty with the Sac and Fox
Indians was signed in 1842, this became a reality.
Redfield is one of the oldest towns in Dallas County. It was originally named New Ireland by the Cavanaugh brothers.
The town of Wiscotta was laid out by Col. James Redfield about one mile south and efforts were made to establish both
towns with Wiscotta being the larger for some time. New Ireland was purchased by Col. Redfield and the name was
changed to honor him.
About 1864, Redfield finally won the battle and soon a narrow gauge railroad came by popular subscription. Col.
Redfield was killed in Georgia with Sherman in his march to the sea. A bronze plaque in the northeast corner of the park
honors Co. H 39th Volunteers Infantry which was mustered at that location.
Early on, an organization was formed so that "Old pioneers might meet and talk of by-gone days" thus forming the Old
Settlers Celebration, which is still a summer tradition although it has changed greatly from its beginnings. Hanging Rock
is one of God's wonders on the Middle Raccoon River. Just downstream is where immigrants, Mormons and 49'ers
forded the river going ever westward.
The Redfield area was also an original stop on the Underground Railroad. Numerous coal beds and water power was
utilized by the early settlers. Due to the excellent clay found in this area Redfield was the town with "Two Brick Yards".
Only one now remains in operation being greatly modernized. The rich clay deposits were also utilized by Midland Int'l
Tileworks, a ceramic tile manufacturer that once sold tile all over the United States. Unfortunately, that business is now
closed.
.
Redfield celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2005. Today still finds a clinic, school, churches, library and necessary
businesses in service. The Raccoon River Bike Trail goes through town and many people are seeing our natural
wonders for the first time. Redfield has room to grow and looks forward to the opportunity.
of prairie with its rivers and streams, seemed like the ideal place to homestead. When the treaty with the Sac and Fox
Indians was signed in 1842, this became a reality.
Redfield is one of the oldest towns in Dallas County. It was originally named New Ireland by the Cavanaugh brothers.
The town of Wiscotta was laid out by Col. James Redfield about one mile south and efforts were made to establish both
towns with Wiscotta being the larger for some time. New Ireland was purchased by Col. Redfield and the name was
changed to honor him.
About 1864, Redfield finally won the battle and soon a narrow gauge railroad came by popular subscription. Col.
Redfield was killed in Georgia with Sherman in his march to the sea. A bronze plaque in the northeast corner of the park
honors Co. H 39th Volunteers Infantry which was mustered at that location.
Early on, an organization was formed so that "Old pioneers might meet and talk of by-gone days" thus forming the Old
Settlers Celebration, which is still a summer tradition although it has changed greatly from its beginnings. Hanging Rock
is one of God's wonders on the Middle Raccoon River. Just downstream is where immigrants, Mormons and 49'ers
forded the river going ever westward.
The Redfield area was also an original stop on the Underground Railroad. Numerous coal beds and water power was
utilized by the early settlers. Due to the excellent clay found in this area Redfield was the town with "Two Brick Yards".
Only one now remains in operation being greatly modernized. The rich clay deposits were also utilized by Midland Int'l
Tileworks, a ceramic tile manufacturer that once sold tile all over the United States. Unfortunately, that business is now
closed.
.
Redfield celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2005. Today still finds a clinic, school, churches, library and necessary
businesses in service. The Raccoon River Bike Trail goes through town and many people are seeing our natural
wonders for the first time. Redfield has room to grow and looks forward to the opportunity.
History of Redfield, Iowa
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| Our founder: Col. James Redfield |