Chariton ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,193 at the 2020 census. Chariton is the primary distribution center for and the former corporate headquarters of the Hy-Vee supermarket chain.
History
Chariton was platted in 1850. Chariton was the name of a French trader.
Lucas County Courthouse Square Historic District
Some of the contributing properties are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Chariton Public Library
- Hotel Charitone
:Designed by local architect William L. Perkins and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the development of Chariton as a county seat, the Hotel Charitone is listed by the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance as one of the most endangered sites in Iowa. The hotel is currently undergoing restoration with the majority of the hotel being converted into apartments.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.
The Lucas County Courthouse is the highest point of elevation in the whole town.
Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Chariton has a hot-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.