Our History

Long Before Larchwood

The history of the Larchwood area began long before the town itself was established. Just west of the community, along the Big Sioux River, is Blood Run National Historic Landmark—one of the oldest and most significant cultural sites in the region.

From approximately A.D. 900 to 1720, the area was home to generations of Indigenous people and later became a large village, trading center and ceremonial gathering place connected to the ancestors of the Omaha, Ponca, Ioway and Otoe-Missouria peoples. Its location near the river, fertile land, abundant wildlife and access to pipestone made it an important center of life and trade for hundreds of years.

The Founding of Larchwood

Larchwood’s story as a town began in 1869, when Jesse W. Fell traveled from Illinois to northwestern Iowa. Impressed by the beauty and possibilities of the open prairie, Fell and his business partner, Charles W. Holder, acquired more than 25,000 acres of land in the area.

Fell was an attorney, businessman, land developer and passionate advocate for planting trees. He was also a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and played an important role in encouraging Lincoln to write an autobiographical account that could be used during his campaign for president.

A new settlement was established near the center of Fell and Holder’s landholdings around 1872. Fell envisioned a community surrounded by trees, and in May 1873, he personally supervised the planting of approximately 100,000 saplings and tree cuttings. Larch trees were among those planted, inspiring the name “Larchwood.” A small grove of larch trees remains in the city park today, providing a living connection to the community’s earliest years. Fell Street also carries the name of the town’s founder.

A Growing Community

Larchwood did not grow as quickly as Fell and Holder had originally hoped. In 1881, their development was sold to Richard Sykes, an English businessman who continued working to attract settlers and businesses to the area.

As more families arrived, Larchwood grew into a thriving agricultural community. Homes, churches, schools and businesses were established, and residents worked together to build the services and traditions needed by the developing town. Larchwood was officially incorporated in 1892.

Agriculture has remained an important part of the community throughout its history. The rich farmland surrounding Larchwood supported generations of families and helped shape the hardworking, cooperative spirit that continues to define the town.

Where Three States Meet

Larchwood’s location in the far northwestern corner of Iowa has always given the community close ties to both South Dakota and Minnesota. Just northwest of Larchwood is the point where the borders of all three states come together.

The Tri-State Marker was originally placed in 1859, when surveyors marked the junction of Iowa, Minnesota and what was then Dakota Territory. The marker has been repaired and relocated over the years, but it continues to identify this unique meeting place. The precise point where the three states meet is located in the roadway near the monument.

Farther southwest of Larchwood, another historic landmark reflects the area’s connection with South Dakota. The Klondike Bridge crosses the Big Sioux River along the Iowa–South Dakota border. Constructed between 1913 and 1914 to replace an earlier bridge built in 1901, it served for many years as an important interstate crossing. The bridge was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the development of Iowa’s early highway system.

Larchwood’s location near the meeting point of three states continues to shape the community today, connecting residents with employment, shopping, recreation and neighboring communities throughout the tri-state area.

Honoring the Past and Building the Future

From its beginnings on the open prairie, Larchwood has grown into a welcoming community known for its strong schools, local businesses, parks, recreation and community traditions.

Although the town has changed considerably since the first trees were planted, its character remains rooted in the values of hard work, service and neighbors helping neighbors. Generations of residents have contributed their time and talents to make Larchwood what it is today.

As we continue to grow and prepare for the future, we are proud to remember the people, places and traditions that shaped our community—and to carry forward the vision expressed during Larchwood’s centennial:

“Remember the Past—Build for the Future.”