Fort Dodge

Town and administrative headquarters of Webster County, northwest Iowa; population (2000) 25,100. It is situated on the Des Moines River, 113 km/70 mi northwest of Des Moines. The city and its environs lie over some of the world's largest gypsum deposits, which are mined. A trading and processing centre for surrounding farms, major manufacturers process the local gypsum products. Others produce animal health products and pharmaceuticals, and animal feed.

Fort Clarke was built here in 1850, but abandoned in 1853; the present city grew from the settlement established one year later. The original Webster County seat was at Homer from 1853 but Fort Dodge took over and built its first courthouse in 1859. This was replaced in 1902. Attractions include the art museum, and a reconstruction of Fort Williams, a fort and frontier village. It is also home to Iowa Central Community College (1966).