1843Economy
In May 1843, several investors formed the Appanoose Rapids Company and staked claim to 467 acres (189 ha) of land in the present site of Ottumwa.
1844History
In 1844 the city was named as the county seat.
1851Disaster
The town was severely damaged during the flood of 1851.
1857History
In 1857, coal was being mined from the McCready bank, a site along Bear Creek four miles (6.4 km) west of Ottumwa.
1859Infrastructure
When the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad arrived in Ottumwa in September 1859, it ran parallel to the river channel.
1868Architecture
In 1868, Brown and Godfrey opened a drift mine four miles northwest of town.
1872History
By 1872, Brown and Godfrey employed 300 men and had an annual production of 77,000 tons.
1875Architecture
By 1875 this ferry had been replaced by a bridge, and a number of additions had been made to the city during the first thirty years, all located on the north side of the Des Moi...
1877Economy
John Morrell & Company and their meat packing comples played a significant role in the development of Ottumwa from 1877 to 1973.
1880Architecture
In 1880, the Phillips Coal and Mining Company opened a mine two miles (3.2 km) northwest of town.
1889Infrastructure
By 1889, the state mine inspector's report listed 15 mine shafts in Ottumwa.
1890Infrastructure
Coal mining was so important to the local economy that, from 1890 to 1892, the Coal Palace was erected in Ottumwa as an exhibition center.
1903History
Theodore Roosevelt in 1903; made a brief train stop while travelling the United States.
1914Economy
In 1914, the Phillips Fuel Company produced over 100,000 tons of coal, ranking among the top 24 coal producers in the state.
1928Education
Between 1928 and 1980, it was also home to Ottumwa Heights College, a women's college that merged with Indian Hills in 1979 to create one institution.
1950Infrastructure
Harry Truman in 1950; while on a 16-state train trip in support of his Fair Deal.
1971Infrastructure
Richard Nixon in 1971; arrived in Air Force One at the Ottumwa Industrial Airport to dedicate the nearby Rathbun Lake dam and reservoir.
1982Government
For this reason, Ottumwa's mayor proclaimed the city the "Video Game Capital of the World" in 1982.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the 2000 United States census, there were 24,998 people, 10,383 households, and 6,530 families residing in the city.
2008Infrastructure
The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad was acquired by the Canadian Pacific in 2008.
2009History
In 2009, an International Video Game Hall of Fame was planned.
2010Education
Barack Obama in 2010; spoke at Indian Hills Community College.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
As of the census of 2020, there were 25,529 people, 10,098 households, and 6,048 families residing in the city.
2023Infrastructure
== Economy ==
=== Top employers ===
According to Ottumwa's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:
The Quincy Place Mall is a Shopping...