Sadly, more than 30 years later, the airport became known for another historic – and tragic – event. The Mason City Municipal Airport was founded in 1927 by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce and the Clausen-Worden Post of the American Legion, hence its airport code “MCW.” Charles Lindbergh attended the Mason City Airport dedication shortly after his historic transatlantic flight. Mason City has now evolved to become a service, retail and distribution center. In 1912, the area was one of the largest producers of brick and tile in the world, but the industry has since disappeared.

The cement industry continues to be an important part of the community, where brick and tile were also once made. Large deposits of limestone and clay opened the doors for a thriving mining and cement industry, and by 1911 two large cement companies were operating in Mason City. Nearby, the City of Clear Lake was settled in 1856 in 1859 the railroad brought more economic success to the area. Settlers soon flocked to the region for its abundant water supply and additional resources.

The town changed names several times – to Masonic Grove, to Masonville and eventually to Mason City – all reflections of the community’s early reliance upon the brick and tile industry.Ī sawmill set up on the west side of the Winnebago River became the new city’s first commercial business. The town of Shibboleth was settled in 1853 at the convergence of the Winnebago River and Willow Creek by Hewitt, John Long and George Brentner. Hewitt traded with the Indians, and Dickirson farmed the rich soil. Hewitt and Dickirson’s settlement soon became a Midwestern oasis. The Clear Lake region is believed to have been visited in 1832 by Nathan Boone (son of famed explorer Daniel Boone) although it was not officially settled At an elevation of 1,247 feet, the lake is actually higher than many of the buildings in nearby Mason City. Hewitt and Dickirson settled on the shores of Clear Lake, a spring-fed body of water formed by glaciers that is now seven miles long and 2.5 miles wide. The tribes relied upon the lush forests and bountiful lakes for many years before Joseph Hewitt and James Dickirson arrived in 1851. The early inhabitants of Cerro Gordo County were the Winnebago and Sioux tribes. The history of this region, with its winding rivers and rolling prairies, dates back to long before the area was settled by farmers and trappers. We’re proud of our heritage and traditions

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