The Burlington and Missouri Railroad established city of Creston in 1868 as a survey site. The name ‘Creston’ was chosen because the site was located on the highest point – the crest – of the railroad line between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Creston was eventually chosen as the division point for the new railroad, and the growing city quickly became home to additional workers, machine shops, and an enormous roundhouse with stalls for 60 engines in storage awaiting repairs or their next trip down the tracks. In fact, in the early 20th century, the Creston roundhouse was the largest American engine house west of Chicago.

Creston was officially incorporated in 1871. With the growth of the railroad station came a growth in the city’s population and standing in the county. A vote was held in 1890 to move the county seat from Afton, and the measure passed due in some part to the City of Creston having already build a brand new county courthouse in anticipation of the verdict.

Today, Creston is a vibrant, growing city of nearly 8,000 residents. It is home to a state-of-the-art medical center, numerous industries, Southwestern Community College, and a satellite campus for Buena Vista University.