Andover, IA

Andover is a small town located in Poweshiek County, Iowa. The population was 1,829 at the 2010 census. Andover is located at 41°11′27″N 93°36′24″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2), all of it land.

The history of Andover can be traced back to 1856 when John and Nancy Brown settled on Section 30 in what would become Andover. The Browns were among the first settlers in what would become Poweshiek County and played an important role in its early development. In 1872, James Wickersham built a store on Main Street which served as the community's main commercial center for more than half a century. Wickersham also served as postmaster and was elected county treasurer several times.

In 1910, Andover had two churches - Methodist and Presbyterian - one schoolhouse, three stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one cotton gin and several other businesses. By 1920 there were six stores and a bank in town; by 1930 there were eleven stores and two banks; by 1940 there were fifteen stores; by 1950 there were twenty-one stores; and by 1960 there were twenty-four stores plus four service businesses including a gas station/convenience store/grocery store combination operated by Rufus Lantz Jr., who also owned an ice cream parlor next door to his grocery store which became well known for its homemade ice cream during the summer months

Today, Andover retains much of its historic character with many of the same businesses still operating downtown including Banks & Sons Hardware Store (established 1865), J&J Grocery (established 1897), Kwik Trip (established 1954), Rufus Lantz Jr.'s Grocery Store (established 1958)and The Post Office (established 1872). There are now thirty-six businesses located within walking distance of each other on Main Street making it easy for residents to get their needs met without having to drive into neighboring towns or out of town altogether

Andover is currently experiencing strong growth due to its close proximity to Des Moines as well as its excellent schools With new housing developments being constructed near town everyday it is evident that Andover will continue to be an important community for years to come