1850Culture
=== Early Growth: 1850-1900 ===
The United States Post Office Department started service to the town in 1857.
1853History
The first White settlers arrived in the area in 1853, and they were John Long and John Bilford, who hailed from LaSalle, Illinois.
1854History
The next year, in 1854, more settlers involved in Free Masonic groups arrived, and platted a town, first known as Shibboleth and Masonville.
1855History
Furthermore, the name was changed in 1855 to differentiate from another Masonville in Iowa.
1856History
However, in December 1856, the Iowa General Assembly voted to relocate the seat of government closer to Clear Lake, then known as Livonia.
1858History
In April 1858, county citizens voted against relocating the seat from Mason City, where it has remained ever since.
1866Military
Industry first reached Mason City in 1866, when the Mason City & Fort Dodge Railroad was completed, opening transportation corridors and allowing for further municipal growth.
1870Government
In 1870, Mason City, Iowa was officially incorporated as a town with Darius B.
1900Education
Hamilton College, a business school, has operated in the city since 1900.
1908Architecture
At least 32 houses and one commercial building were built in the Prairie Style between 1908 and 1922, 17 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and eigh...
1912History
The Mason City Cementmakers (1912) and Mason City Claydiggers (1915–1917) played as members of the Iowa State League (1912) and Central Association (1915–1917).
1933Government
Mason City is also the home of the Worldwide College of Auctioning founded in 1933 by the well-known auctioneer Col.
1934Civil Rights
The First National Bank was robbed by John Dillinger and his gang on March 13, 1934.
1939Culture
The Mason City Public Library was designed by Chicago architects Holabird and Root in 1939.
1954History
In 1954 a new breed of horse was introduced in Mason City.
1959History
Richardson) took off on the night of February 3, 1959, after a concert at the Surf Ballroom in nearby Clear Lake, Iowa, en route to Fargo, N.D.
1964History
In 1964, General and Mrs.
1966Architecture
MacNider Art Museum which is a non-profit, muncipally owned insitution that opened in 1966.
1970Economy
=== Modern Era: 1970-Present Day ===
During the 1970s, the originally dominant brick and tile industry began to decline, prompting Mason City to diversify its economy.
1972Government
River City Rugby Football Club was established in Mason City in 1972.
1978Education
College Football Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez led Mason City High School to the 1978 Class 4A state football championship with a 15–13 victory over Dubuque Hempstead.
1983History
The North Iowa Huskies played in the United States Hockey League from 1983 to 1999 and then moved to Cedar Rapids.
1985Sports
== Notable people ==
Barry Alvarez, former head football coach and athletic director at Wisconsin
Todd Blodgett, Member of White House staff (Reagan-Bush) 1985–87.Also worked wi...
1989Architecture
In 1989, the Stockman House was moved four blocks to prevent its demolition; it was subsequently restored and opened to the public by the River City Society for Historic Preserv...
1994Sports
The Mason City Bats of the short-lived Great Central League played baseball here in 1994.
1995Infrastructure
In 1995, Mason City was also the site of a national investigation, following the disappearance of KIMT reporter and news-anchor, Jodi Huisentruit.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 29,172 people, 12,368 households, and 7,507 families living in the city.
2005Architecture
began restoration on the Park Inn Hotel in 2005 and the former City National Bank building in 2007.
2007Architecture
In November 2007, Reyes Holding/Martin-Brower opened a distribution facility serving McDonald's in 5 states.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 28,079 people, 12,366 households, and 7,210 families living in the city.
2011Architecture
The organization reopened both buildings as a boutique hotel in August 2011.
2012History
The club celebrated its 40th anniversary in June 2012.
2013Sports
The Bulls won the league championship in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2021, while also winning the Tier III National Championship in 2013 and 2015.
2014Culture
=== Public Art ===
Since 2014, Mason City has hosted River City Sculptures on Parade, an annual public art walk featuring rotating artists.
2016Civil Rights
In March 2016, North Carolina–based company Prestage Farms proposed to build a $240 million pork processing plant or slaughterhouse in Mason City, employing about 1,800 people.
2019Architecture
In June 2019, the hospital opened a new $10.6 million behavioral center.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
As of the census of 2020, there were 27,338 people, 12,271 households, and 6,838 families residing in the city.
2021Sports
The Bulls moved up to the Tier II North American Hockey League (NAHL) and rebranded the Tier III team as the Mason City Toros in 2021.