Hampton, IA

Hampton is a small town located in Hampton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,853 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Hampton County.

The town was founded in 1856 and named for General James Hampton, a hero of the Mexican-American War. The first settlers were farmers and merchants who came to trade with the Native Americans who lived in the area. In 1868, Hampton became an incorporated town with a population of about 200 people.

In 1875, Hampton became one of the first towns in Iowa to have electric lights. That same year, it built its first schoolhouse. By 1900, the population had grown to 1,500 people and there were six businesses in town: two banks (the Farmers and Merchants National Bank and the First National Bank), a hotel (the Hampton House), two stores (the Grocery Store and Hamiltons Drug Store), and a blacksmith shop.

During World War II, Hampton was home to Camp Dodge (now known as Camp Dodge State Park). Thousands of soldiers were trained here before being sent off to fight in World War II. After the war ended, many of these soldiers returned home and started families; this led to an increase in population that continued through the 1950s and 1960s.

Today, Hampton is still a small town but has expanded its businesses beyond just retailing goods: there are now restaurants (such as Applebee's), a post office (which has been open since 1870!), an ice cream shop/cinema complex called The Ice Cream Parlor & Theatre (opened in 1978), a funeral home/memorial park called Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum (opened in 1965), as well as several other businesses that provide services such as insurance sales or car repairs.

The economy of Hampton is based largely on agriculture: soybeans are grown on large farms near town; cattle are raised on ranches nearby; eggs are produced by several chicken farms; produce from local gardens is sold at local markets; honey is made by beekeepers; woolen products are made by sheep ranchers; and coal is mined nearby by Peabody Energy Corporation subsidiary Patriot Coal Corporation.. However, tourism also plays an important role: visitors come to see historical landmarks such as Camp Dodge or Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum or enjoy activities like fishing or golfing at nearby courses like Prairie Meadows Golf Club or Cedar Ridge Country Club..