Iowa’s “Newest” City was Visited by Oprah

Maharishi Vedic City in Jefferson County is the only town in Iowa to be incorporated in the 21st Century. While most Iowa cities were established in the 1800s or 1900s, this town became official 20 years ago this month. (November 2001)

What makes this city unique is that it’s a Transcendental Meditation-themed town.  It is based around ancient Hindu principles promoting balance, harmony, and natural law.

HISTORY OF MAHARISHI VEDIC CITY:

When Parsons College went bankrupt in the nearby town of Fairfield in the early 1970s, Maharishi International University purchased the campus in1974 and then moved the school from California to Southeast Iowa. The university features a "consciousness-based education" system that includes the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Originally, its name was "Vedic City" in 2001 but then officially changed its name to "Maharishi Vedic City" five months later.

IT WAS VISITED BY OPRAH WINFREY:

A decade ago, a television show titled "America's Most Unusual Town" aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network and featured Oprah’s visit to Maharishi Vedic City. It’s also said that filmmaker David Lynch frequents the town.

Maharishi Vedic Observatory claims to be the world’s only outdoor astronomical observatory built on principles of ancient observatories that aligns with cosmic life. It is made up of ten astrological and astronomical instruments based on ancient designs, arranged in a circle to align with the sun, moon, and stars.

It’s also believed to be America’s first all-organic city, with greenhouses and organic farms that produce food for residents.