The community began as Robinson's Cross Roads east of here on the historic Old Wire Road and stood on the Main Line of the Butterfield Stage Route. Its name changed to Bloomington in 1885 and it was nicknamed “Mudtown.” After the railroad was completed in 1881, city officials concluded they needed to be closer to it, and a tornado that destroyed many homes and buildings helped make that decision. Some buildings were moved here and new ones were built, and the village of Lowell was established in 1881. Lowell was incorporated as a city on May 5, 1905. In 1924, Lowell boasted of 24-hour electrical service, was described as a good place to raise a family, and had good pure water that could be dug at 50 feet. The town has seen many changes and continues to honor its heritage with its annual “Mudtown Days.”