History of Glenwood, Iowa in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 7, 2025

Glenwood, Iowa, serves as the county seat of Mills County. According to the 2020 census, the city's population was 5,073, marking a decrease from the 5,358 residents recorded in the 2000 census. Glenwood functions as a key administrative and population center within Mills County.

1925: Glenwood IIFMC Population in 1925

By 1925, the Glenwood IIFMC housed 1,555 inmates, classified based on contemporary definitions.

1941: Glenwood IIFMC renamed

In 1941, the IIFMC was renamed the Glenwood State-Hospital School.

November 17, 1957: Des Moines Register Article on Mayo Buckner

On November 17, 1957, the Des Moines Register published an article about Mayo Buckner, who had spent 59 years confined to Glenwood despite an above-average IQ.

December 9, 1957: Time Magazine Feature on Glenwood

On December 9, 1957, Time Magazine featured Buckner and the Glenwood State-Hospital School, bringing national attention to the facility.

March 25, 1958: Life Magazine Feature on Glenwood

On March 25, 1958, Life Magazine featured Buckner and the Glenwood State-Hospital School.

2000: 2000 Census Data for Glenwood

According to the 2000 census, Glenwood had a population of 5,358 people in 1,863 households, including 1,276 families.

2000: Glenwood population in 2000

In 2000, the population of Glenwood was 5,358 according to the census.

2010: 2010 Census Data for Glenwood

According to the 2010 census, Glenwood had a population of 5,269 people in 1,883 households, including 1,243 families.

September 4, 2015: Trajet Archived September 4, 2015

As of September 4, 2015, Trajet, a whirlpool manufacturer, occupied the former slaughterhouse.

March 2019: Mills County Flooding in March 2019

In March 2019, Mills County experienced catastrophic flooding, leading to a boil water order in Glenwood and assistance efforts in nearby towns like Pacific Junction.