🎉 Ossian, Iowa Turns 175 — See the Town’s Story Through Its Vintage Sanborn Maps

August 3, 2025

This week, Ossian, Iowa celebrates an incredible milestone — 175 years since it was founded in 1850. As the town prepares for its big celebration from August 8–10, 2025, we’re taking a moment to spotlight its history and showcase how much has changed — and stayed the same — through the lens of vintage Sanborn fire insurance maps.

🗺️ Looking for a historic map of Ossian?
👉 Click here to view our Ossian map collection
🎁 Perfect gift for reunions, history buffs, or your Grandpa who still talks about "the good old days."

Whether you're from Ossian, have family ties there, or just love small-town Iowa history, these maps offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.

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🕰️ A Brief Look at Ossian’s History

Ossian is located in Winneshiek County, Iowa. The town was officially platted in 1855, during a time of rapid settlement in the region. It was named by early settler John Ossian Porter, after his youngest son, Ossian — a name that also echoes the romanticized Gaelic legend of the poet-bard Oisín that gained popularity in the 1800s.

Railroads, farming, and strong community values shaped Ossian into the town you know today. Though the population remains small (under 900 residents), the town’s spirit and pride are as strong as ever — especially as it celebrates 175 years of history.

🗺️ See Ossian’s Growth with Sanborn Maps

Sanborn fire insurance maps were created to help assess building risks, but today they’re treasured as historical records. We offer three different Sanborn maps of Ossian, showing how the town evolved over time:

🗓 1897 – A glimpse at early businesses, the railroad, and foundational structures
🗓 1902 – See what changed in just five years — including added stores and homes
🗓 1914 – The most detailed version, showing a fuller picture of the town’s growth

Each map captures buildings, streets, and landmarks from the period — letting you literally see how Ossian grew block by block.

👉 Click here to view and purchase your Ossian map

🖼️ High-Quality, Ready-to-Frame Reprints

We offer these historical maps in 24×30-inch prints. They’re perfect for:

🏠 Home décor with hometown pride
🎁 Unique gifts for family or reunions
🧬 Genealogy and local history research
🏛 Display in schools, libraries, or historical societies

And yes — we offer free shipping on all orders in the continental U.S.

🎈 Celebrate Ossian’s 175th in Style

As Ossian marks 175 years of community and change, what better way to honor its roots than with a piece of its past? These maps preserve the details of a bygone era — and they’re available now for anyone who wants to celebrate this milestone with a meaningful keepsake.

🎁 Order yours today — and own a piece of Ossian’s past.