Preparation, Iowa

Preparation is a ghost town in Monona County, in the U.S. state of Iowa.

Geography

Preparation was located in Spring [Valley Township, Monona County, Iowa|Spring Valley Township].

History

Preparation was the first settlement in Spring Valley Township. Preparation was founded in 1853 by a schismatic Latter [Day Saint movement|Latter Day Saint] sect led by Charles B. Thompson. The community was named from their belief that life on Earth was a preparation for the afterlife. A post office was established at Preparation in 1854, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1904.
In 1890, Preparation was home to "a store, post-office and smithy. According to the State census of 1885, the town at that time had a total population
of 588, all of American birth with the exception of some ninety-seven, who are nearly all Scandinavians."
The site of Preparation is now a part of Preparation [Canyon State Park].