In 1868, Burlington Railroad surveyors chose the highest point on the prairie between two great rivers. They named it Creston. What followed was 150+ years of community, grit, and pride.
The name Creston comes directly from geography. When Burlington and Missouri Railroad surveyors laid out the route in 1868, they identified the highest point on the line — the crest — between the Missouri and Mississippi river basins in southwest Iowa. That high prairie peak became the town's defining identity. Creston sits at the crest of Iowa.
The geographic advantage made it strategically ideal as a railroad division point. The Burlington line built machine shops, a roundhouse, and a construction camp, drawing workers from Chicago and across the Midwest — including one of Iowa's earliest significant African American communities employed by the railroad.
Burlington & Missouri Railroad surveyors establish a survey camp at the high point on the prairie line between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The site is named "Creston" for its position at the crest.
The town of Creston is officially established. The Burlington Railroad chooses Creston as a division point, building machine shops, a roundhouse, and worker housing. Railroad employees from Chicago and major cities begin arriving.
Creston is officially incorporated as a city. Growth accelerates as the railroad brings commerce, workers, and regional prominence.
On November 25, 1890, Creston officially becomes the county seat of Union County — a designation it holds to this day. The county courthouse is established at 300 N Pine Street.
The majestic CB&Q Railroad Depot is constructed, becoming the heart of Creston's railroad identity. Later closed in 1960 when Creston was cut from the division, the building was slated for demolition — but citizens saved it and it was purchased by the city for just $1.
A young Frank Phillips works as a barber in Creston, marries a local banker's daughter, and launches what would become Phillips Petroleum — making him one of the wealthiest men in America. The Visitor Center on Highway 34 West is dedicated to his legacy.
Before Creston was established, Union County was a major waypoint for Mormon pioneers traveling from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mt. Pisgah — northeast of Creston — was home to thousands of Mormons, with over 2,000 living there and hundreds more passing through. A monument and interpretive panel commemorate this history.
The first murals begin appearing in Creston. Starting in 2011, a local high school art teacher and the Creston Arts program brought in muralists from across the country and internationally. Today, 50+ murals define the visual identity of Uptown Creston, with 30 concentrated in just two blocks.
The Creston/Southwest Iowa Balloon Days festival, held every third Saturday in September, has become the second-largest balloon festival in Iowa. It features hot air balloon races, the beloved NightGlow, a parade with high school marching bands, a flea market, and thousands of visitors from across the region.
Started as a Creston barber, married a banker's daughter, and founded Phillips Petroleum Corporation — one of America's great oil fortunes. The Frank Phillips Visitor Center on Hwy 34 West honors his Creston roots.
(1886–1984) — Born in Creston, Hunsaker became a pioneering aviation designer known for his work on flying boats and airships, shaping the early era of American aviation.
From Creston, McCoy rose to become the 6th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force — the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force.
Creston's founding workforce included African American railroad employees recruited from Chicago by the Burlington Line — forming one of southwest Iowa's earliest and most significant diverse communities.
Creston is located on U.S. Route 34 in southwest Iowa:
Creston is the largest city between Des Moines and Council Bluffs on US-34, making it a natural regional hub for southwest Iowa commerce, healthcare, and education.