Bassett: A Small Town with a Rich Railroad History

Every community in Chickasaw County has a story, and Bassett's begins with the railroad.

Founded in 1872 by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, Bassett was established as a rail stop that would help shape the surrounding area for decades to come. The town was named after James Fordham Bassett, one half of the grain and wheat dealing firm Bassett & Hunting, and quickly became an important hub for local farmers and businesses.

The railroad played a major role in Bassett's development. While the nearby community of Chickasaw had already been established, the railroad was routed north to cross Beaver Creek, making Bassett the area's rail station. Warehouses, stockyards, a lumber yard, and a passenger station soon surrounded the tracks, creating a bustling center for commerce and travel.

Bassett City Hall

At its peak, Bassett was a thriving small town. According to the 1900 Census, 149 people called the community home. Main Street was lined with businesses, including a hotel, post office, bank, and several storefronts built in the Western False Front style—a design that gave wooden buildings the appearance of larger commercial structures common in the American West.

Despite its size, Bassett offered many of the services residents needed. The community was home to three churches, a creamery operated by the Beard Brothers, two physicians, a school, and local businesses that served both residents and travelers. Nearby gravel quarries also provided employment for many families throughout the twentieth century.

Today, Bassett is a much quieter community, but its history remains an important part of Chickasaw County's story. As you drive through town, it's easy to imagine the days when trains stopped at the depot, businesses lined Main Street, and the community served as a gathering place for the surrounding countryside.

The Shed

One local stop still welcoming visitors today is The Shed, where you'll find the friendly hospitality that continues to define small-town Iowa. It's a reminder that while communities change over time, the welcoming spirit of their people remains the same.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, enjoy exploring Iowa's small towns, or simply like taking the scenic route, Bassett is a place worth discovering. Its story reflects the resilience, hard work, and sense of community that continue to shape Chickasaw County more than 150 years after its founding.