Pottawattamie County was a part of the Pottawattamie Purchase of 1847. The county was originally named after the Native American tribe that once existed and lived within the Iowa Territory. Pottawattamie is a traditional word meaning "Fire Keepers" or "Keepers of the Council Fires".
The county commissioners proposed Kanesville and Pleasant Grove, about 8 miles apart, for the county seat. At an election held April 7, 1851, all but seven votes were cast for Kanesville, named for Colonel Kane of Philadelphia. Council Bluffs was previously known as Hart's Bluff and then Miller's Hollow before it became Kanesville. The rapidly growing village had a population of about 7,000 at the time, mainly Mormons on their way from Nauvoo, Illinois to Utah. It was also an important outfitting town for gold seekers and others on their way to California and the West. Hyde's New Hall at Kanesville, which was renamed Council Bluffs on January 19, 1853, was used for several years for the court house. <more>
Pottawattamie County citizens will have the opportunity to design a creative display on their property that will be taken in this spring’s flight, which captures new aerial photography of the entire county <more>
To provide the highest quality government possible to the citizens of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and other governmental entities in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. To encourage economic development, enhance our tax base and provide higher quality jobs for our citizens.
Pottawattamie County was a part of the Pottawattamie Purchase of 1847. The county was originally named after the Native American tribe that once existed and lived within the Iowa Territory. Pottawattamie is a traditional word meaning "Fire Keepers" or "Keepers of the Council Fires".
