Cities and Towns in Lee County, Iowa

Founded on Dec 7, 1836, Lee County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Lee County was formed from Des Moines County. The city of Fort Madison and Keokuk is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Lee County has a population of 33,215 and area of 517 square miles (1,339 km²).

List of all cities in Lee County, IA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Argyle, IA 52619 319
Argyle, IA 52625 319
Bluff Park, IA 52639 319
Charleston, IA 52619 319
Denmark, IA 52624 319
Donnellson, IA 52625 319
Fort Madison, IA 52627 319
Franklin, IA 52625 319
Galland, IA 52639 319
Houghton, IA 52631 319
Keokuk, IA 52632 319
Montrose, IA 52639 319
Mooar, IA 52632 319
Mount Hamill, IA 52625 319
Pilot Grove, IA 52648 319
Primrose, IA 52625 319
Saint Paul, IA 52656 319
52657 319
Sand Prairie, IA 52619 319
Sandusky, IA 52632 319
Sawyer, IA 52627 319
Summitville, IA 52632 319
West Point, IA 52656 319
52657 319
Wever, IA 52658 319

Major Cities and Towns in Lee County, Iowa

Fort Madison

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 13.30 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 10,300 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52627
  • Latitude: 40.6292° N
  • Longitude: 91.3144° W

City Location and History

Fort Madison is located in southeastern Iowa, along the Mississippi River. Established in 1808 as a military outpost, it was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. The fort played a significant role in early American frontier history but was abandoned after conflicts during the War of 1812. Fort Madison grew as a transportation and trade hub in the 19th century due to its prime location along the river and the arrival of the railroad. As the county seat of Lee County, Fort Madison became a center for industry, commerce, and tourism, while still maintaining its historical significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fort Madison is served by the Fort Madison Community School District, with Fort Madison High School being the largest school. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including Old Fort Madison, a reconstructed version of the original military fort, and the Santa Fe Depot Museum, which highlights the city’s railroad history. The Sheaffer Pen Museum honors the town’s role in the development of the iconic pen company. The city also boasts Riverview Park, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River, and hosts the annual Tri-State Rodeo, one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest. Fort Madison’s blend of history, industry, and culture makes it a vibrant place to live and visit.

Keokuk

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 10.58 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 9,700 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52632
  • Latitude: 40.4031° N
  • Longitude: 91.4003° W

City Location and History

Keokuk, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers, is Iowa’s southernmost city. Named after Chief Keokuk of the Sauk tribe, the city was founded in 1837 and quickly became a bustling river town. Keokuk’s early economy relied on steamboat traffic, as it was a key stopping point for riverboats traveling along the Mississippi. The city gained prominence during the Civil War as a major military hospital site and supply center. Keokuk also became known for its dam and hydroelectric power plant, built in the early 20th century, which were among the largest of their kind at the time.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Keokuk is served by the Keokuk Community School District, with Keokuk High School being the largest educational institution. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum, which chronicles the city’s rich riverboat history. The Keokuk National Cemetery, one of the nation’s oldest, contains the graves of Union soldiers from the Civil War. Other key attractions include the Lock and Dam No. 19, which provides impressive views of the Mississippi River, and Rand Park, known for its scenic vistas and community events. Each year, Keokuk hosts the annual Rollin’ on the River Blues Festival, which celebrates the city’s musical heritage.

West Point

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.15 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 950 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52656
  • Latitude: 40.7189° N
  • Longitude: 91.4519° W

City Location and History

West Point is a small town located in central Lee County, known for its rich history and strong community ties. Founded in 1836, the town originally served as a trading post and agricultural hub. Its early development was closely tied to the arrival of European settlers, many of whom were of German and Irish descent. West Point’s history is intertwined with its religious heritage, with several early churches still serving the community today. The town has retained its agricultural roots while growing into a peaceful residential community with a focus on preserving its historical character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

West Point is part of the Holy Trinity Catholic Schools system, which provides education from elementary through high school. Key landmarks include the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, one of the town’s oldest structures, and West Point City Park, which hosts community events throughout the year. West Point is also home to the annual Sweet Corn Festival, a long-standing tradition that draws visitors from across the region for parades, carnival rides, and, of course, sweet corn. The town’s combination of history, faith, and community spirit makes it a warm and welcoming place to live.

Donnellson

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.19 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 900 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52625
  • Latitude: 40.6422° N
  • Longitude: 91.5639° W

City Location and History

Donnellson, located in southern Lee County, was founded in the 1850s along a railroad route that helped foster its early growth. Named after the Donnell family, who were prominent local settlers, the town developed primarily as an agricultural community. Donnellson’s location along key rail and road routes helped it grow into a local trading center for the surrounding rural areas. Over the years, the town has maintained its agricultural roots while evolving into a small but thriving residential community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Donnellson is part of the Central Lee Community School District, with Central Lee High School serving the town and surrounding areas. Notable landmarks include the Lee County Fairgrounds, which host the annual Lee County Fair, a major event that showcases the area’s agricultural heritage through livestock shows, carnival rides, and community contests. The Donnellson Community Park is another key attraction, providing playgrounds and picnic areas for residents. Donnellson also has a rich cultural heritage, with several churches and historic homes contributing to its small-town charm. The town’s focus on community and its peaceful rural setting make it a desirable place for families.

Montrose

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.23 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 870 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52639
  • Latitude: 40.5297° N
  • Longitude: 91.4150° W

City Location and History

Montrose is a small town situated along the Mississippi River in western Lee County. Founded in the early 19th century, Montrose was initially a military outpost and later developed into a riverport town. Its location on the river made it an important stop for steamboats and traders in the 1800s. The town’s rich history includes its association with early Mormon settlers who passed through on their way to Nauvoo, Illinois. Over the years, Montrose has remained a picturesque community known for its scenic views of the Mississippi River and its close connection to the waterway.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Montrose is part of the Central Lee Community School District, with students attending nearby schools. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Montrose Riverfront, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and serves as a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The town also has several historic homes, reflecting its 19th-century heritage. Montrose is known for its small-town charm and hosts various community events throughout the year, including riverfront festivals that celebrate its connection to the Mississippi. Montrose’s scenic location and historical significance make it a popular destination for visitors and a peaceful place to live.

Franklin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.25 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 150 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 52625
  • Latitude: 40.6167° N
  • Longitude: 91.5519° W

City Location and History

Franklin is one of the smallest towns in Lee County, located in the southern part of the county near Donnellson. Founded in the mid-19th century, Franklin developed as a rural farming community. The town’s early settlers were primarily farmers, and the local economy has always been tied to agriculture, with corn and soybeans being the predominant crops. Franklin has maintained its small size throughout the years but remains a close-knit community with strong rural values and a peaceful lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Franklin is also part of the Central Lee Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Donnellson. The town’s small size means it lacks major landmarks, but the nearby Franklin Cemetery serves as a historical site, holding the graves of early settlers and Civil War veterans. Residents of Franklin take pride in their agricultural heritage, and the town is often involved in community events organized by nearby towns. Franklin’s quiet rural setting and strong agricultural ties make it a serene place for those seeking a simple, country lifestyle in Iowa.