Dows, Iowa Dows is a city in Franklin and Wright counties of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 538 at the 2010 census. History Dows got its start in the year 1880, following construction of the railroad through that territory. Dows is named for a railroad contractor. Historical sites The Dows Historical Society and community volunteers have restored several historical buildings, three of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rock Island Depot in Dows was built in 1896. The historical society purchased and restored the depot in 1988 that houses an Iowa Welc...