Adel was incorporated in 1847 which makes it the oldest community in Dallas County. Originally called Penoach, the town was founded as the county seat and was located on the first road in the county. This road carried gold seekers west and was the course of one of the most important stage routes in Iowa. Native American artifacts found in the area provide evidence of earlier residents including the Sac and Fox indians in whose language Penoach means "far away".

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