No such sign - and no road as grand as a paved two-lane road - greeted John and Harriet Drake when they first surveyed the track of Davis County land in the 1846, not long before Iowa received statehood.

The absence of great roads aside, the Drakes made a go of it, founding thetown that bears their name. The Drakes worked in farming and established thetown's first bank and trading outposts. The family reared their 14 children there - including their second oldest, a fellow by the name of Francis Marion Drake.

Francis Marion Drake, of course, went on to a life of action and adventure as a daring frontiersman, Civil War general and governor of Iowa. He was also the man whose generous donation in 1881 made Drake University a reality.

Like many small towns, the population dwindled as businesses found it hard to compete with the large chain stores.

Amish started moving into the area in the mid 1960s and have grown to large population over the years. You will find many members of the Amish faith living a significantly simpler life style than most everyone else.

The people of the Amish faith have been an important part of the Davis County community for many years. Many of the Amish live around Drakesville.

The Amish are known for their simple way of life, farming with the use of horses, and beliefs that have them living a simpler way of life.

Farming used to be a major way of life for the Amish community,but that is not necessarily true today. The Amish began setting up their own businesses a number of years ago. Several have become very successful over the years.

Many still have the farm land and still raise limited numbers of horses and livestock to meet their needs.

Many of the businesses are centered on a type of trade.Construction, mill work, metal work, small engine repair, sawmills, woodworking,and many other types of businesses can be found as one drives the Davis County countryside.

Many various retail businesses have also sprung up in and around the Amish community. One finds everything from candle shops, fabric shops, bakeries, lumber yards, harness shops, greenhouses, gift shops, country stores, discount and bulk food stores,sewing shops, and woodworking shops to small engine repair shops, furniture stores and much more.

The Amish community features many skilled craftsmen and women.There are over 66 businesses to choose from according to a map provided by the Amish community.

Drakesville,Iowa is also home to a cabin built by the Mormons on their westward trek. It stands near the park in Drakesville, Iowa one of two log cabins built by the Mormons. The Mormon trail passed through Davis County, Iowa Mormon Trails.

Now a thriving Amish Community with many Amish shops and businesses.

Nestled in the quiet countryside of Southern Iowa lies Drakesville, Iowa in Davis County. Located 7 miles north west of  Bloomfield,Iowa. The Iowa highway that leads into the tiny town of Drakesville in southern Iowa runs past a sign that reads"Gateway to Lake Wapello."