Prescott

Prescott was the last of the railroad towns to be founded in Adams County. Prescott was established in 1868 and by 1869 the town had a population of 600 with three churches. The first town site was in the East Nodaway River bottom just to the southwest. Tired of being flooded out, the town moved to higher ground. The primary commercial avenue, Sixth Avenue, ended at the train depot. In 1870 the downtown consisted of five businesses: a hotel, a grocery, Peter’s Hardware, Ervin’s Blacksmith Shop and Gentle’s Livery. By 1888 Prescott was described as a “good market town”. A period of rapid growth occurred in the 1890’s with a new brick bank building. In 1898, the Union Newspaper reported, “. . . Prescott may never become a large place, but size does not measure quality and there is a large percent of hustlers among the businessmen of Prescott as in any town of the state.” Prescott formed their volunteer fire department in 1957. In 1979 they constructed a combination city hall and library and also began Prescott Community Housing which built eight apartment units also in 1979.

Today Prescott is a favored, friendly community for retirees, families and commuter workers. They invite you to come by and see for yourself the friendly faces and healthy atmosphere that abounds in Prescott. Each September they celebrate the history of the community and the life they lead with their Prescott Septemberfest. Load up your family and head to Prescott to join in the fun, family environment.