It was built for use as a National Guard Armory between 1912 and 1913, and was also later used to host community events.

Villisca had active military units as far back as 1877.

[2] Local citizens raised the funds to build the armory, which was completed in 1913.

The building was used for a variety of community events in addition to activities for the Iowa National Guard.

Ownership of the building was transferred from the Villisca Armory Corporation to the State of Iowa in 1973, and in 2000 it was transferred to the Villisca Community School District.