The Cherokee County community of Washta was first home to a post office location in May 1868 and was formally incorporated twenty-two years later when railroad service was established. The Washta Post Office facilities are located within the former Farmer’s State Bank building, which was rebuilt in 1918 following a devastating fire that destroyed many of the businesses along the community’s main street.

Washta’s welcome sign celebrates it is the “Coldest Spot in Iowa,” to recognize the -47 degree temperature that was recorded in the town on January 12, 1912. Washta is home to 282 residents.