Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-06-07
A Bird's-eyc View Of the Des
r NIofncs valley.
(coNrrNuEp.)


considerable extent, within the past two
years. Since which time, it has receiv-
ed its full share Of the immense throng
of emigrants who yearly seek homes in
Iowa. Its population is about 1000.
Centerville is the county seat. Its To-
cation is fine, and from the rapidly of
lis improvement, and the amount of bus
mess done in it, there can be no doubt
but that il will make fine town. The
land in this county is very good, and lie
well for cultivation. A large portion Of
the lands are entered or claimed; but
there is abundant room for many more
settlers.
Next, joining Jefferson and Van Blu
rem, is WAPELLo. This county, which
took its name from one Of the head
chiefs Of the Sac and Fox Indians, (Old
Wa Pei Lo,) who is buried at the Old
Agency. The Des Moines runs diagon-
ally through this county, and about equal
portions lie on each side of the river
This county is situated about midway
of the Valley, and being equally contigu-
Gus to all parts, the county seat has been
selected by the State Legislature as the
place for holding the Supreme Court of
the State for the Southern District. No
county in the Valley combines more adj
vantages than Wapello. Almost every
acre OF land in the county can be culli-
waited. The prairies are small and tim
Der is abundant. Richer or more pro-
ductive soil cannot be found in any Of
the Western States. Population be-
tween 5000 and 5000.
Ottumwa is the county seat, and al
though It's yet in its infancy, it has a
population of 700 inhabitants, is doing a
large amount of business, and has the
natural elements 10 make large and
thriving city. There are several other
ffourishing towns in this county. Ash
land, Agency City, Dahlonega, Kinks
vile ane Eddyville. Agency is place
of considerable business, and is delight
fully situated on the edge of beautiful
prairie, % miles from the Des Moines
and six from this place; the Plank Road
spoken of in our last will pass thro'
this place. Population about AGO..
Dahlonega has a population of about
200, is situated beautifully in wealthy
neighborhood, and does its share Of bus.
mess. Eddyville is situated in the north
bank OF the Des MONIES, on beautiful
bottom prairie, in the northwest corner
of the county. II has population of
about 400, and is place of much busi-
ness. From its situation near to Mon
roe and Mahaska counties, it will always
command good trade. Kirksville and
Ashland are both newly laid out, and
will no doubt be pretty villages, both
being fine locations.
There has been more land entered in
this county since il was brought into
market, than any county in the State,
with the exception of Dubuque; and all
for settlement, scarcely an acre for spec
ulation.
MONROE lies west Of Wapello. II is
fine, healthy county. The land is
good, and the county is filling up quite
rapidly with good en,erprising class of
citizens. Population about 5000. The
lands are principally entered near timber
and water; but number of good loca-
tons still invites the settler. Abba is
the county seat. II is handsomely stu
ated on a prairie. Wood and stone are
not very convenient, but water is easily
obtained. 1t has been retarded in growth
from the fact that many are dissatisfied
with the county seat remaining at that
place, and are continually making efforts
TO get it removed. GAINESVILLE and John.
stonsPort are small villages, handsomely
situated, and surrounded by fine agricul-
tural districts.
MAHAsKA county lies north of and
and joins WapelIo on the North. Oska-
loosa is the county seat, and is hand
somely situated on beautiful prairie,
about miles from the Des Moines and
% from Skunk river. Tae population
of Oskaloosa is about 700. /. place
of much promise, and does the principal
part of the business for the county. The
population Of the county is about 1000.
II has fine body Of rich land, well
adapted TO agriculture, the greater part
of which is entered and under improve
ment.
What was said of the counties lying