History:

In the summer and fall of 1881, with the arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, mostly German immigrants settled and platted the town of Keystone.

Whether they named Keystone for being almost half way between Chicago and Omaha, or the “keystone” of the railroad line, is not known. The one block of 2 story frame businesses was destroyed by fire in 1886. One-story frame buildings were constructed for all businesses except the German State Bank, which was brick. This building saved most of Main Street when a fire broke out in 1906. By 1914 Keystone was well established with cement sidewalks, 15 thriving businesses, and water and electrical service.

Today, Keystone is a prosperous community of 690 residents located within 30 miles of both Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. Our small town values and forward planning make our town a safe and friendly place to live. Our businesses include a health clinic, elementary school, veterinarian, attorney, CPA, nursing care center with assisted living apartments, cable TV, DSL computer connection, bowling alley, beauty and barber shops, café, ballroom facility, convenience store, lumber yard, carpenters, electricians, plumber, implement stores, auto repair, welding and metal fabrication, tire repair, and grain elevators. City services include library, volunteer fire department, first responders, natural gas, large city park with playground equipment and tennis court, lighted ball diamond, summer recreation program, and a new housing development for 25 homes.