Marcus
"Get It Done"

If it needs to be done, it will be done here in Marcus, Iowa. A powerful sense of team spirit prevails in this town, with residents who like to "get it done." Wanting to improve the city's economic base, a group of volunteers lobbied for this town to become an official Main Street community. Marcus is one of the smallest cities in Iowa that has been designated as an official Main Street community. This distinction provides the city with promotion, design, business improvement and infrastructure organization, with the centralized goal of revitalizing the downtown area and retaining its historical value.

History

Sand Seed Service, one of Iowa's largest grain shipping facilities and seed distributors.

Marcus is named after one of John Insley Blair's children; Marcus was his son. Blair was the man who was responsible for setting up towns along the local railroad for his firm, Blair's Townsite Company. The town of Marcus was incorporated in 1871 and was originally settled by immigrants from Denmark, Germany, Ireland, and Sweden. It grew from a simple dirt path into a farming community, which even today holds the image of a quiet agricultural community.

Marcus celebrated its quasquicentennial in 1996 and continues to reflect on its major accomplishments. It still boasts the oldest running elevator in the nation. In addition to its historical relevance, Marcus also has modern conveniences including a 5000 square foot grocery store (Jeff's Foods), two banks, a Hardware Hank's, bakery and Home Furnishings Store.

Education

Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Community High School has been named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. The new program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. The schools are selected based on either of two assessment criteria:

• Schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to a high level on state assessment or assessments referenced against national norms at a particular grade, as determined by the state's Chief State School Officer (CCSO); and,
• Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent on state tests.

Local Events & Attractions

Marcus Fair
The annual Marcus Fair is an entertaining three-day event in the town of Marcus. Amusement rides, carnival games, and interesting acts are enjoyed by all ages.

If you would like more information on the community of Marcus or events held here, please contact one of the names below:

Darrell Downs, Mayor
Bev Alesch, City Clerk
City of Marcus
222 North Main
Marcus, IA 51035
Business: 712-376-4715
Council meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 PM

City Map and Industrial Sites - Click Here