Ottumwa is a city of rich history and unusual quality. In the early 1800's the area was populated by the Mesquaki, Sac and Ioway Indians. As westward expansion approached, these tribes were moved to western reservations and Wapello County was opened for a land rush on May 1, 1843.

By the end of May over 5,000 settlers came to the county to claim land for crop, livestock and homesteading. About 470 acres of the Ottumwa area was settled by investors of the Appanoose Rapids Company. Over time the name of the community changed from Louisville to Ottumwa.