Tama County, Iowa

Lincoln City Hall
115 South Street
Lincoln, IA  50652
641-473-2793
cityoflincoln@iowatelecom.net
www.tamacountyiowa.org/lincoln
Council meetings: Monthly, 1st Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

City Leadership:
Roland Fink, Mayor
Michelle Clark
Roger Dostal
Steve Mahr
Vance Sebbert
Aaron Staker

Gail Fink, City Clerk

City Fact Sheet

The Story of Lincoln

With the coming of the railroad, a new town was born.  Mr. Charles Spencer was the first to locate in the town as he owned most of the land.  The town was in need of a name and Mr. Spencer decided to name the new town for himself, but a short time later found out there was already a Spencer so he picked the name “Augusta” in honor of his wife.  Again he learned that his choice had been used for another town.  Finally it was decided to call the new town “Bellin” for a town in Scotland which his wife loved.  The word was misinterpreted and appeared as “Berlin” on the official maps and document.  Because it was a German community, the name Berlin was accepted and became official.  In 1913 Berlin was incorporated.

Life continued smoothly for people in this little town until the outbreak of World War I.  Soon those of German birth or descent were subject to verbal and physical abuse by those who questioned their loyalties.  To demonstrate their support of the United States and to indicate that the majority of the people were loyal to her, the council decided to select another name for the town.  It was suggested that “Lincoln” be chosen and on June 12, 1918, the name was approved.

The city council strives to keep Lincoln a clean city.  A new water and sewer system have recently been installed.