It’s the Smallest Town in Iowa But it Packs A Heavy Punch

With most states, their smallest town's claim to fame is just that, it's the smallest town on the map. But in Iowa that couldn't be further from the truth.

This town with a population of just 15 people has contributed to some pretty important moments in history.

The tiny town of Beaconsfield, Iowa lies in Ringgold County, in the southern part of the state. On the outside looking in, there's not much to the town, but if you look closer, Beaconsfield has a lot to hold its hat on.

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For starters, it's home to the first Hy Vee Grocery Store in the U.S. Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg opened the store in the small town in 1933. It's since grown to have over 240 stores in the Midwest and counting. These days the original Hy Vee serves as a community center and is on the list of National Historic Places.

Another famous resident of Beaconsfield is arguably one of the most distinguished astronauts in U.S. History.

Peggy Whitson was born in Beaconsfield in 1960. When she saw the moon landing in 1969, Whitson was inspired to become an astronaut. She became the first woman ever to command the International Space Station (doing so twice). She also accrued more than 665 days in space, making her the most experienced astronaut in the history of NASA.

Tiny little Beaconsfield may never be a metropolis but it sure has a lot to be proud of.

Story Source: Mental Floss