New Virginia, IA

New Virginia occupies the crest of rolling farm country in Warren County, about 40 miles south of Des Moines and 20 miles southwest of Indianola. The 2020 census counted 498 residents. Iowa 207 reaches Interstate 35 about three miles west, while G76 and R45 connect the city with routes toward U.S. 69 and Iowa 92. That small regional radius supports commuters while the town retains a post office, bank, shops, library, churches, and volunteer services.

ATTRSer Amantio di Nicolao / CC0

Virginia and West Virginia settlers began arriving in 1854; the town was laid out in 1856 and incorporated in 1901. Joel Mason opened the first store, and the railroad later turned New Virginia into a livestock shipping point, first with a narrow-gauge line in the 1880s and then standard gauge. Fires in 1894, 1913, and 1921 reshaped the streets, but the old 1932 fire station still stands. Interstate 35 Community School District serves local students, and the fire and rescue departments remain visible parts of town life.