History of Iola, Kansas In January 1859, a group of settlers
gathered to discuss plans to develop a new town. Many of these
people who lived in the county and in the nearby towns of
Cofachique and Humboldt were looking to relocate Allen County's
seat. After much discussion, it was decided that the new town
would be called "Iola", in tribute to Iola Colborn- the wife of
Mr. J.F. Colborn who had built the first frame-style home in the
area. The land was surveyed and platted with wide streets and a
four-block square downtown. In 1860, two small general stores
moved from Cofachique to Iola. Soon came a dry goods store, a
grocery, clothing store, and drug store. In 1865, Iola became
the seat of Allen County. By 1870, the population had increased
to 1,500, and the railroads had arrived. However, due to various
local and national misfortunes, the town population remained
stagnant for the next twenty-five years. Then, in 1895, a great
surge in population and expansion hit Iola--giant natural gas
pools were discovered