City of Ankeny

City of Ankeny Municipal Water Report Info
Ankeny began as a farming settlement founded by John Fletcher Ankeny and his wife Sarah on April 22, 1875. Mr. Ankeny was an active Des Moines businessman involved in area politics. He also promoted and invested in the Minnesota Narrow Gauge Railroad which later ran through Ankeny.

Ankeny's Early Development (1874-1900)
Between 1874 and 1880, a narrow gauge railroad was completed connecting Des Moines to Ames through Ankeny. Passenger service began in July 1880, with fares from Ankeny to Des Moines costing 33 cents. Riley Van Horn served as the first station agent in Ankeny, earning $45 monthly.

By 1881, Ankeny consisted of seven houses, a Methodist Church, a depot, a general store with post office, a livery stable, a blacksmith shop, a boarding house, a machine shop and a school. Mail wasn't delivered to homes, and newspapers arrived weekly by train. Local farmers primarily grew sorghum for molasses processing and raised pigs that were driven to market in Keokuk—a journey taking a full week.

Growth into a Modern Community
Ankeny was officially incorporated on February 28, 1903, encompassing one square mile. By 1910, the population reached 445 residents. Telephone service followed incorporation quickly, while electricity became available in 1907, though widespread electrical service wasn't common until 1919 when Central Light and Power Company received permission to operate a power plant in Ankeny.

The town's first volunteer fire department formed in 1907 with minimal equipment—just three ladders and 24 galvanized buckets. Between 1932 and 1940, Ankeny suffered four major fires that nearly destroyed the uptown business district, though most businesses rebuilt afterward.

Mid-Century Transformation
In 1942, the federal government established an ammunition plant on the site now occupied by John Deere Des Moines Works. Ankeny's population grew rapidly during this period and continued after John Deere purchased the plant in October 1947. Production of corn pickers began in February 1948 with 570 employees, later expanding to include various agricultural equipment.

By 1950, the town had grown to 1,229 residents, and home mail delivery began in 1958. Ankeny was officially declared a city in 1961 with 2,964 residents—more than double its 1950 population. The 2000 census reported 27,117 residents, while a special census in 2005 showed 36,161 residents across 26.45 square miles.

Ankeny has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. The 2010 census counted 45,582 residents across 29.14 square miles. For more information about Ankeny's history, please visit the Ankeny Historical Society online at http://www.ankenyhistorical.org.