Malcom is a city in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 270 at the time of the 2020 census. The city was named for an early Scotch settler. The town's major businesses include BASF, The Pour House Bar and Grill, and Dayton Meat Products.
History
Prior to the treaty of May 1, 1843, the area of what is now Malcom was Sauk and Meskwaki lands. Though there were a few settlers earlier, by 1858, the population justified the formation of a township. The railroad was extended from Iowa City in 1863, and the village was laid out on the Little Bear Creek. The town was incorporated on April 23, 1872. The town was badly damaged in the 2020 derecho, when a resident died and several grain silos were toppled.
Education
The first school in Malcom was established in 1855, consisting of six students. In 1864, the Malcom Independent School was established. By 1880, there were 136 pupils in the school. The first high school was started in 1885, though only three years were offered, and many students went to Grinnell to complete their work. The first graduating class of seven students, all girls, was in 1888. A modern two-story brick schoolhouse was dedicated in November 1903. In 1923–24, a new addition was built at a cost of $38,000. During this time, there were also nine rural one room schools in the township. The last class to graduate from Malcom High School was in 1960, as the school merged with schools in Brooklyn and Guernsey to form the BGM Community School District. The Malcom school was then converted to an elementary school.
Geography
Malcom is located at (41.707486, -92.555373).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. The town is located just north of Interstate 80. Little Bear Creek runs through the southern edge of town.