Indianola was platted and named in 1849. The name was chosen during a lunch break by the original surveying party led by Colonel P.P. Henderson. He noticed an article in a newspaper, in which his lunch was wrapped, about events in Indianola, Texas. After some discussion, the party agreed that Indianola would indeed be a fine name for Warren County's new county seat.
The primary purpose of founding the city was to locate the seat of county government and to become the center of activity for Warren County. It seemed a logical choice because it was located on high ground at the intersection of the Des Moines, Iowa/Princeton, Missouri and Oskaloosa/Council Bluffs stagecoach routes.
Since that humble beginning, the city has grown to approximately 12,400 residents. Indianola is the home of Simpson College, is known for hot air balloons, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and is a bustling business and cultural center. The Indianola school system is second to none and continued growth seems certain.
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