
Iowa Town Called “Time Capsule” Of American History
Iowa as a whole is seen as a "Time Capsule" and behind trends.
Fun fact: For years, Iowa has often been the punchline in jokes across America, portrayed as old-fashioned, behind the times, or just plain boring. This stereotype has shown up in pop culture too—South Park even made fun of Iowa over 20 years ago, poking at its reputation for being out of touch with the rest of the country.
This town, however, proudly embraces its identity as a time capsule of the great state of Iowa! But don’t be fooled — we’re not all old or stuck in the past!
Welcome To Centerville, Iowa
Today we are talking about Centerville, Iowa. This is a quintessential tiny town with a population just above 5,000. 'OIYS" went on to say,
While it may be small in size, it’s big on community pride. This modern-day Mayberry is like a living time capsule, as it preserves pieces of its past, while moving forward to create a community for the future. It is home to what is claimed to be the world’s largest town square, where you'll find charming locally owned businesses and a pancake-themed small-town festival.
This spot also claims to have the world’s largest town square, serving as a centerpiece for local pride. The town celebrates its rich history and deep-rooted traditions, proudly representing the spirit of Iowa.

If you want some Midwest charm and a blast from the past, this beautiful spot is for you!
The Centerville town square has a real sense of place. Trees and a grassy lawn surround the grand Appanoose County Courthouse, built in 1904. Pops of color come from the many murals and the yellow-and-green exterior of the restored-but-closed Ritz Theatre.
LOOK: Best counties to raise a family in Iowa
Gallery Credit: Stacker
