Shannon City, located 2 miles west of Highway 169, was originally laid out June 5, 1888, on both sides of the county line with the business section mainly on the south in Ringgold County, and the Post Office located in Union County. Between 1889 and 1891, a fire destroyed most of the businesses on the Ringgold County side of town. Dr. LOOMIS led the rebuilding of Shannon City on the north side with his office located on the west side of Main Street. Originally called "Shannon" the name of the town was changed because several other Iowa towns were named "Shannon." The town was called "Loomis" for a long time before it was eventually called "Shannon City." Shannon City 1887-1987

Shannon City's population was 70 residents in the 2000 census.

The engraving at the top of Shannon City's bank reads "First National Bank." The right window sign reads "First State Bank, Diagonal IA. Shannon City office. Member F.D.I.C." The door sign (left) reads "Office Hours, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Mon. - Fr."

The First National Bank of Diagonal was organized in 1908 after Mr. E. DUFUR of Lorimor bought the Diagonal Bank. M. I. ROBERTS became the president of the First National Bank in September of 1935. The bank was renamed First State Bank in November of 1937. "Doc" Elbert Minor WATSON assumed ownership of the bank in the early 1960's. Al WISSINK bought the bank in 1968 from the WATSON estate. The main office of the First State Bank is located in Mount Ayr with branch offices in Diagonal and Shannon City.

Historical Shannon City

Oakland Cemetery is located about 1/2 a mile south of Shannon City on the west side of county road 210th Avenue.

Just inside of Oakland Cemetery's gate is a bluebird house mounted on the southern cemetery fence.

From Shannon City, we headed south on Highway 169 toward Mount Ayr.

Photographs by Sharon R. Becker, August 3, 2009
Submitted by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2009