| Iowa (Adair County), Adair — First Train Robbery in The West — Jesse James Robberies |
| | Site of the first train robbery in the west. Committed by the notorious Jesse James and his gang of outlaws July 21, 1873 — Map (db m34280) HM |
| Iowa (Allamakee County), Harper Ferry — The Mystery of the Mounds — Effigy Mounds National Monument — National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior |
| | In 1766, English and French Canadian traders wintered near this site. They must have puzzled over these strange earthen shapes-or others even nearer their cabin. The traders could not have known that the humble grave markers were vestiges of a prehistoric mound-building culture which spread across most of eastern North America 1,000 years before Christ.
Discovery of larger mounds in Ohio in the late 1700’s led some historians to claim the “Mound Builders” were remnants of Old . . . — Map (db m61987) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — Friends Meetinghouse |
| | The Hoover family worshipped in this building along with neighbors and relatives who were members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers as they are often called. West Branch was predominately a Quaker community in the 1850's when this meetinghouse was built in 1857. Silent meetings for worship were held here on First Day and Fourth Day each week. Religion played a strong role in Herbert Hoover's childhood. His family were active participants in the Society of Friends where his mother, Hulda Hoover, was a recorded minister. — Map (db m48312) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — Herbert Hoover |
| | This site commemorates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hover, 31st President (1929-1932). The first president born west of the Mississippi River. Hoover grew up in a tradition that deeply influenced his ideals and long life of public service. On a walking tour of the site you may visit the historic buildings associated with Hoover's childhood in West Branch, including the Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, School House and Friends Meetinghouse. Exhibits at the Presidential Library . . . — Map (db m48307) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — Herbert Hoover's Birthplace |
| | "This cottage where I was born is physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life." In 1871, Jesse Hoover built this two-room cottage near his blacksmith shop and moved in with his wife, Hulda, and young son, Theodore. Herbert Hoover was born here on August 10, 1874. When "Bert" was two, his sister, Mary was born. This was the Hoover's first home, and although it was small it served the young family well. During the warm months, the cook-stove was moved to the back porch, . . . — Map (db m48310) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — Hoover Home — 1879 - 1884 |
| | The Hoovers bought a home on this site in 1879. During the winter Theodore, herbert and Mary enjoyed sledding with the Peter Smith youngsters who lived in the green house just south of here. Jesse Hoover died in 1880. Hulda passed away three years later. — Map (db m48316) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — Schoolhouse |
| | The early settlers of West Branch had a strong regard for education, and in 1853 they built this school. It was used not only as a school but as a place of worship for the members of the Society of Friends. Originally the building housed all of the West Branch students, but by the time Herbert Hoover's older brother Theodore was registered here, enrollment had increased and it was used only as a classroom for the primary students. Increasing membership in the Society of Friends also necessitated the building of a larger meetinghouse in 1857. — Map (db m48311) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), West Branch — To Herbert Hoover |
| | President of the United States Native son of Iowa Citizen of the world Statesman Humanitarian Engineer Administrator Who has worn the world's greatest honors with humility The State of Iowa grants the Iowa Award — Map (db m48314) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), Wilton — Historic Iowa City / Mormon Handcart Trail - 1856 |
| | Marker Front: The land on which Iowa City is located was a wilderness when it was selected and surveyed for the capital of the Territory of Iowa in 1839. The cornerstone of the new capitol building was laid by Governor Lucas on July 4, 1840. The Legislative Assembly met first in a frame building in 1841; the following year it moved into the new stone capitol -- now one of Iowa’s most prized historic shrines
Iowa City served as capital for sixteen exciting years. Here five . . . — Map (db m33608) HM |
| Iowa (Cedar County), Wilton — Hoover Historic Site / Hoover’s West Branch |
| | Marker Front: The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located in nearby West Branch, honors a distinguished son of Iowa, citizen of the world, and the 31st president of the United States. Established in 1965, the Site’s foundations were laid earlier when in 1937 family and friends began restoration of the two-room cottage where Mr. Hoover was born in 1874. The Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, constructed by the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Foundation entirely with private funds, . . . — Map (db m33437) HM |
| Iowa (Clarke County), Osceola — The Mormon Trail |
| | The Mormons of Nauvoo, Illinois, forced from their homes following the murder of their prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., began their trek across Iowa in 1846 on the way to the Great Salt Lake Valley. From their first permanent campsite on Sugar Creek they travelled across southern Iowa to Winter Quarters, near present-day Omaha. In addition to Sugar Creek, the Mormons also established permanent camps at Garden Grove in Decatur County, Mount Pisgah in Union County, and Kanesville in Pottawattamie . . . — Map (db m50023) HM |
| Iowa (Clarke County), Osceola — Utopian Experiments in Southern Iowa |
| | Several Utopian groups attempted to implement in southern Iowa their dreams of a better social structure. In 1839 Abner Kneeland, a pantheist, started Salubria in Van Buren County. Beset with economic problems, the experiment dissolved after Kneeland died in 1844. In 1843, followers of French socialist Charles Fourier founded Phalanx in Mahaska County, but this communal experiment lasted only two years. Followers of another Frenchman, Etienne Cabet, tried several experiments in the United . . . — Map (db m50024) HM |
| Iowa (Clayton County), Marquette — Old Military Trail |
| | This rock marks the beginning of the Old Military Trail first used in the summer of 1840 by troops from Fort Crawford in Wisconsin when building Fort Atkinson in Iowa. It served as a highway for the movement of troops and supplies from Fort Crawford and Fort Atkinson.
[DAR insignia]
Erected by the Iowa Society
Daughters of the American Revolution
1927 — Map (db m44190) HM |
| Iowa (Clayton County), McGregor — Bat Caves |
| |
Cave History
Workers for the Hagensieck brewery created these cave openings around 1867 using picks, shovels and blasting powder. They used the caves to store ice and beer until the brewery closed in 1888. Hundreds of bats used the caves until 1986, when the entrances were sealed for public safety. An entrance was reopened for bats in 1998.
A Bad Rap
Myths and superstitions have given bats a bad reputation. But most bats are harmless and less than 1/2 of 1% carry rabies. . . . — Map (db m46742) HM |
| Iowa (Clayton County), McGregor — McGregor / Ringling Brothers |
| | McGregor
"Royal is my race," was the motto of Clan MacGregor of which McGregor's founder, Alexander MacGregor, was a descendant. It was 1837 when Alexander began a ferry boat operation on "MacGregor's Landing" that became a thriving town of 5500. When steamboats gave way to faster transportation, McGregor underwent the metamorphosis to a more quiet community.
Ringling Brothers
The Ringling Brothers' Circus' foundation was laid when Augustus Ringling's sons gave penny shows here. . . . — Map (db m44758) HM |
| Iowa (Clayton County), McGregor — Pikes Peak Overlook Landscape Interpretation |
| | Across this impressive gorge of the Mississippi River is the mouth of the Wisconsin River. The steeply notched valleys of both rivers are carved into sedimentary bedrock which underlies the level, plateau-like uplands and forms the abrupt, picturesque bluffs along the valley margins. The layered rocks originated as loose sediment on sea floors 450 to 550 million years ago, and over time hardened into strata dominated by dolomite and sandstone. Fossil remains of marine life are seen in rocks . . . — Map (db m46138) HM |
| Iowa (Clayton County), McGregor — Point of Discovery |
| | Across the Mississippi is the mouth of the Wisconsin River. This is the point where on June 17, 1673 Pere Marquette and Louis Joliet, in two small canoes entered the mighty Mississippi. They were the first white men to discover the Upper Missisippi River and set foot on Iowa soil. — Map (db m44797) HM |
| Iowa (Dallas County), Adel — Panther — Panther Revisited |
| | The community of Panther was located where you are currently standing. In the late 1800s, three buildings stood on this site: a blacksmith shop, a tin shop, and a general store. As Panther continued to grow, a creamery and post office also served the area. The blacksmith shop sat on the northeast side of the intersection. Like many Iowa blacksmiths, Amos Royer repaired farm machinery and shoed horses. The tin shop sat on the southwest side of the intersection and was operated by Will Beazor. . . . — Map (db m30809) HM |
| Iowa (Dallas County), Waukee — 24 — Historic Des Moines / Noted Des Moines Residents |
| | Marker Front: The fork of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers was recognized as an ideal site a military post as early 1834. Fort Des Moines was established in 1843, but was abandoned in 1846 following the treaty whereby the Sauk and Mesquakie Indians relinquished their rights to the surrounding lands. The sale of army property provided housing for white settlers who began to moved into the area at that time. Des Moines became a county eat in 146, and in 1857 the state capital was moved . . . — Map (db m33004) HM |
| Iowa (Davis County), Bloomfield — The Confederate Invasion of Iowa Monument |
| | Site of
The Confederate Invasion of Iowa
12th Day of October 1864.
This monument marks the northern most point of incursion into Iowa by Confederate Forces. On October 12, 1864, Lieutenant James “Bill” Jackson led twelve heavily armed Missouri Partisan Rangers dressed in Union uniforms in a raid through Davis County, Iowa, resulting in the murder of three local citizens. •
This Plaque Dedicated in 2005 •
Davis County Civil War Guerrilla Raid Society.
. . . — Map (db m36092) HM |
| Iowa (Delaware County), Earlville — Francis J Pierce — Earlville, Iowa |
| | Medal of Honor
WWII Iwo Jima Campaign
15-16 March 1945
Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class
2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
U.S. Navy — Map (db m22944) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — "Fourth Street Elevator" |
| | Built in 1882 by J.K. Graves for his own convenience; and rebuilt after a fire in 1884. It was then opened as public transport.
Originally operated by steam, then by electricity in 1893, the elevator was incorporated as the Fenelon Place Elevator Co. with neighbors as stock holders.
First board of directors; June 21, 1893; L.C. Bissell, Pres.; W.A. Leathers V Pres.;, J.H. Kleine, Sec'y; Chas. Sass, Treas. Other stockholders: Jacob Rich, Frank H. Weime,Geo. B. Burch, D.J. Scott, J.F. . . . — Map (db m43133) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Dubuque Shot Tower |
| | Built in 1856. Used for making lead shot and bullets. In use commercially for three years. Later used as a watchtower by a lumber company to guard against fire. The interior woodwork and the top were destroyed by fire in 1911. Restored in 1961 by citizens of Dubuque. — Map (db m43129) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Historic Dubuque |
| |
Historic Dubuque -- the Key City of Iowa -- formed a part of what became French Louisiana when Joliet and Marquette paddled by in 1673. Perrot taught the Miami Indians how to mine lead here in 1690. France ceded Louisiana west of the Mississippi to Spain in 1762, placing this area under Spain. Frenchmen mined lead here during the American Revolution.
The Fox Indians granted Julien Dubuque the right to work the lead mines in 1788 and this right was confirmed by a Spanish Land Grant in . . . — Map (db m43634) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Julien Dubuque |
| | Miner of Mines of Spain
Founder of our City
Died March 24, 1810 — Map (db m43130) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Louis Arriandeaux Log House |
| | Oldest log cabin in Dubuque County.
About 1827.
Occupied by the pioneer settler William Newman.
1834.
Brought to this site and restored
through the efforts of
Frederick E. Bissell, Sr.
Aided by interested citizens
and members of
the Dubuque Park Board. — Map (db m43131) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Methodist Chapel |
| | On this site a Methodist Chapel was constructed in 1834.
As the first church in Iowa, it served not only as a place of worship but as a community center in an early spirit of civic concern, ecumenism and racial integration. At various times the 20 x 26 foot building was used as a pioneer schoolhouse. For a time it served as the first courthouse in Dubuque.
The meeting that adopted the resolution to incorporate the town of Dubuque was held here on March 25, 1837. The church was . . . — Map (db m22957) HM |
| Iowa (Dubuque County), Dubuque — Shot Tower |
| |
The Shot Tower was constructed in 1856 to manufacture lead shot ammunition. Molten lead was poured from the top of the tower and passed through a series of sieves to form the shot into its proper size. The shot then landed in a tank of cold water at the bottom of the tower.
In the 1850s, lead from Dubuque was shipped to St. Louis shotmakers who produced most of the lead shot in the Midwest. George W. Rogers and Company built and operated the Dubuque Shot Tower in an attempt to break the . . . — Map (db m43645) HM |
| Iowa (Guthrie County), Stuart — First National Bank |
| | First National Bank, 1882-1944, site of Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow Bank Robbery Apr. 16, 1934 — Map (db m44837) HM |
| Iowa (Harrison County), Missouri Valley — Missouri Valley Veterans' Memorial |
| | Left column
God Bless America
Seals of Armed Forces
Center column
In Honor of All Those Who Served This Great Nation in War and Peace Time
American Flag
MIA/POW Seal
Right column
The Land of the Free
Seals of Armed Forces
Base
Duty Honor Country — Map (db m30575) HM |
| Iowa (Henry County), Mount Pleasant — 37 — James Harlan — 1820-1899 |
| | Harlan moved to Iowa in 1845, and was elected state superintendent of public instruction two years later. He became President of Iowa Wesleyan University in 1853, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1855. After winning a second term, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Secretary of the Interior. Harlan resigned his cabinet post in 1866 and regained his former senate seat. But was defeated for re-election in 1872. After serving on the Alabama Claims Commission, the body empowered to settle . . . — Map (db m33116) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Amana — Amana Colonies |
| | Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1965 — Map (db m48301) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Amana — Dredging Amana's Millrace |
| | The Amana Millrace begins 6.5 miles west of here at the Iowa River. Workers from the seven Amana villages first began construction in 1865 using hand tools and oxen-drawn scrapers and wagons. The earthen levees were reinforced with wood posts and fascines, bundles of sticks and branches bound tightly together. Progress on the canal was slow until the community purchased a stream (sic) powered dredge to complete the project. Water first flowed through the turbines in Amana in 1869 as difficult . . . — Map (db m48305) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Amana — Power for Amana's Mills |
| | Six and one-half miles in length, the Amana Millrace was built in 1865 - 1869 to provide waterpower for the community's mills in Middle Amana and Amana. Here at Amana the millrace powered the woolen mill, calico factory, flour mill and sawmill.Water-powered turbines drove a system of gears and line shafts to transfer power to the factory machinery. Steam engines were used to supplement the water power. In the 1920s some of the line shaft system was replaced with electric generators and . . . — Map (db m48297) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Amana — Windmill House — ca. 1880 |
| | The original use of this building is unknown. It was used to manufacture a feed additive for hogs from 1908-1932, so that it is commonly referred to as the "Hog Powder House." — Map (db m48304) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Ladora — Historic Amana Colonies |
| | Marker Front: The Amana Colonies consist of about 1,500 people living in seven villages and owning 25,000 acres of Iowa land. Born of religious enthusiasm, this unique brotherhood was founded in Germany in 1714 as the Community of True Inspiration in protest against the arbitrary rule of church and state. Oppressive governments forced them to seek a new home in America.
Led by Christian Metz, the Inspirationists crossed the Atlantic in 1842 and established six small villages on the . . . — Map (db m33372) HM |
| Iowa (Iowa County), Ladora — Historic Grinnell |
| | Marker Front: Josiah Bushnell Grinnell, a native of Vermont, was the person to whom Horace Greeley gave his famous advice “Go West, young man, go West.” Grinnell took that advice and in 1854 founded the city that now bears his name. A leader in state government, Grinnell in 1857 chaired the legislative committee that planed Iowa’s system of public education from the elementary through university level. A foe of slavery, he gave shelter in 1859 to the fiery abolitionist John . . . — Map (db m33683) HM |
| Iowa (Jackson County), Maquoketa — The Salvation Army — 1885 - 1960 |
| | This Plaque commemorates
the beginning of the
Salvation Army in
Maquoketa and the State of Iowa, May 1885.
Placed here, May 14, 1960,
on the occasion of
Maquoketa's 75th
anniversary celebration.
"What hath God wrought?" — Map (db m35053) HM |
| Iowa (Jasper County), Kellogg — Kellogg Garden Club — Iowa 150 Celebrate Our State 1846 - 1996 |
| | Kellogg Garden Club established in 1945 commemorated Iowa’s 150th Anniversary of statehood with the planting of the common Chokecherry (Prunus Virginiana) a native Iowa tree. — Map (db m44830) HM |
| Iowa (Jasper County), Newton — Jasper County Veterans Memorial |
| | The Plaque was mounted on 1928 WW I Monument. This monument is dedicated to the Veterans of the United States of America, July 4, 1994. Honoring Jasper County Men who served in the World War. — Map (db m44831) HM |
| Iowa (Johnson County), Coralville — 33 — Samuel Jordan Kirkwood — 1813 – 1894 |
| | Kirkwood is the only Iowan to serve as governor, U.S. senator and as a cabinet member. He came to Iowa in 1855 to operate a grist mill in this vicinity. Elected governor in 1859 as a Republican, Kirkwood administered he office with forcefulness and ability during the Civil War. In 1864 he filled a vacancy in the Senate and later served a third term as governor. He was elected senator again in 1877, but resigned to become Secretary of the Interior in 1881. After President Garfield’s . . . — Map (db m33204) HM |
| Iowa (Johnson County), Tiffin — Historic Amana Colonies |
| | Marker Front: The Amana Colonies consist of about 1,500 people living in seven villages and owning 25,000 acres of Iowa land. Born of religious enthusiasm, this unique brotherhood was founded in Germany in 1714 as the Community of True Inspiration in protest against the arbitrary rule of church and state. Oppressive governments forced them to seek a new home in America.
Led by Christian Metz, the Inspirationists crossed the Atlantic in 1842 and established six small villages on the . . . — Map (db m33373) HM |
| Iowa (Johnson County), Tiffin — Historic Iowa City / Mormon Handcart Trail - 1856 |
| | Marker Front: The land on which Iowa City is located was a wilderness when it was selected and surveyed for the capital of the Territory of Iowa in 1839. The cornerstone of the new capitol building was laid by Governor Lucas on July 4, 1840. The Legislative Assembly met first in a frame building in 1841; the following year it moved into the new stone capitol -- now one of Iowa’s most prized historic shrines
Iowa City served as capital for sixteen exciting years. Here five . . . — Map (db m33607) HM |
| Iowa (Johnson County), Tiffin — Hoover Historic Site / Hoover’s West Branch |
| | Marker Front: The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located in nearby West Branch, honors a distinguished son of Iowa, citizen of the world, and the 31st president of the United States. Established in 1965, the Site’s foundations were laid earlier when in 1937 family and friends began restoration of the two-room cottage where Mr. Hoover was born in 1874. The Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, constructed by the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Foundation entirely with private funds, . . . — Map (db m33431) HM |
| Iowa (Lee County), Keokuk — First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa — B'nai Israel Congregation |
| | Jews have been part of the social, economic and cultural life of Iowa since the early 19th century. It was not until 1855 that the Jewish population in Keokuk grew large enough to establish a religious community, Congregation B’nai Israel ( Children of Israel). The congregation initially rented space for religious worship at the corner of Main and 7th streets. Through the combined efforts of both Jews and Christians alike, funds were raised and a permanent synagogue was constructed at 8th and . . . — Map (db m27084) HM |
| Iowa (Lee County), Keokuk — National Association for Music Education |
| | MENC: The National Association for Music Education was founded on this corner in the Westminster Presbyterian Church on April 12, 1907, during a meeting of music supervisors from fourteen states. The meeting was organized by Philip Cady Hayden, Music Supervisor for the Keokuk Public Schools. Since its founding, MENC has grown to over 120,000 members, and is the largest arts organization in the United States. This marker was dedicated on June 1, 2007, to all of the MENC founders , elected . . . — Map (db m55413) HM |
| Iowa (Lee County), Keokuk — The Estes House |
| |
used as a hospital
for Soldiers of the Civil War
Apr. 17, 1862 – Oct. 1, 1865
Occupied this site
— Map (db m55414) HM |
| Iowa (Linn County), Hiawatha — Post 298 Veterans' Memorial |
| | In memory of all veterans. — Map (db m22824) HM |
| Iowa (Madison County), Winterset — Cutler - Donahoe Covered Bridge - 1870 |
| | Designed and built by Eli Cox.
Length: 79 feet Weight: 40 ton.
Covered timber superstructure, towne lattice truss
with overlay queenpost frame, fastened with round
wooden pins and iron bolts.
Originally located 18 miles N.E. of Winterset,
near Bevington, over North River.
Moved to Winterset City Park in 1970.
Clair Rogers, Macksburg, Ia, house mover,
commissioned to move bridge before first
covered bridge festival. Clair gave his time to rebuild
west . . . — Map (db m23170) HM |
| Iowa (Madison County), Winterset — Winterset Civil War Memorial |
| | The grateful public
dedicate
this marble column
to the Patriotic
Dead
who fell during the
Great Rebellion
this monument
is
gratefully
erected
to the soldiers of
Madison County
who gave their lives
for their
Country — Map (db m23107) HM |
| Iowa (Madison County), Winterset — Winterset Veterans Memorial |
| | Dedicated to the memory of the
following men who gave the supreme
sacrifice in the defence of their country
World War II
Dale E. Bell • Harold Bloomquist • Edward Briggie • Edward Butcher • Ross Chickering • George Clark • Scott Cole • Frederick Cooper • Floyd Craven • Russell Davis • Wilbert Dodd • William Edwards • Norman Felton • Harold Flaugh • John W. Garner • Edwin Henry • Eugene Holmes • Lloyd Hudson • Ben Kiddoo Jr. • Kenneth Kinney • Glen Leech • John Limnane Jr. • . . . — Map (db m23148) WM |
| Iowa (Madison County), Winterset — Winterset World War I Memorial |
| | [Main Memorial:]
Erected by the people of Madison County, Iowa, as a grateful tribute to the memory of its soldiers and sailors.
[Red Granite Cemetery Assocation marker]:
This plot of ground was donated by the Cemetery Association to the War Memorial Association as a place to perpetuate the memory of Madison County soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war against Germany and her Allies. — Map (db m23157) HM |
| Iowa (Mitchell County), Carpenter — Deer Creek Lutheran Church Bell |
| | This bell has called people to God’s house to worship since 1869. It was first purchased and used by First Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar. In 1893 they gave it to Deer Creek Lutheran Church where it continued its call of worship across the countryside until 1970.
In Memory Of Herman Brown — Map (db m16939) HM |
| Iowa (Mitchell County), Carpenter — Fort Severson |
| | Built in 1867 by Nils Severson on his land with help of neighbor's using limestone and mortar of lime & sand from Deer Creek. Severson's design was a typical fort with small openings for rifles and larger openings for gatling guns. The Spirit Lake Massacre and uprising at New Ulm Minnesota prompted the building of forts across North Iowa. This is the only one left standing. Although Indians never came there were some scares. Settlers would come from as far as ten miles to stay here. The . . . — Map (db m9547) HM |
| Iowa (Mitchell County), Osage — Dragoon Trail Crossing |
| | Here passed the Dragoon Trail blazed in 1835 by the first U.S. Dragoons under Colonel Stephen W. Kearney. — Map (db m30368) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — A Reflection of Hope |
| | A Monument Established By The Citizens Of Iowa To Honor Iowans Who Served During the Vietnam War These Absent Friends Will Never Be Forgotten — Map (db m41878) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Birthplace of Des Moines |
| | Polk County, Iowa
Fort Des Moines No. 2
Established May 1843 — Evacuated March 1846
This cabin is a memorial to the military outpost, Fort Des Moines No. 2, occupied by Company I, First Regiment U. S. Dragoons and Company F First U. S. Infantry. The Fort was the second of three military installations named Fort Des Moines.
In 1846, the City was established near this site at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
In time, all the original Fort buildings . . . — Map (db m41876) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Combat Wounded Veterans |
| |
Military Order of the Purple Heart
1782 1932
Dedicated to all men and women
wounded in all our wars
My stone is red for
the blood they shed.
The medal I bear
is my Country's way
to show they care.
If I could be seen
by all mankind
Maybe peace will
come in my lifetime. — Map (db m42145) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Dedicated to You, A Free Citizen in a Free Land |
| | This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Iowa by direction of The Honorable John W. Snyder Secretary of the Treasury As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive from May 16 to July 4,1950, it was displayed in every part of this state The dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty bell when it rang out our independence in 1776. In standing before this symbol, you have the opportunity to . . . — Map (db m48285) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Iowa Revolutionary War Monument |
| | Front Dedicated to soldiers and patriots of the American Revolution who are buried in Iowa December 28, 1846 Iowa Our liberties we prize our rights we will maintain Reverse George Perkins, N. and S. Carolina, Lee County William Potter, Virginia, Jackson County Sampson Price, Virginia, Louisa County Thomas Rhodes, Virginia, Van Buren County Achilles Rogers, Virginia, Keokuk County Richard Scarrem, Vermont, Makaska County Charles Shepherd, Pennsylvania, Henry County William . . . — Map (db m48277) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Iowa Veterans Memorial |
| | To honor those who have served that we may live in freedom. — Map (db m48273) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — Korean War — 1950 - 1953 |
| | Side 1 Early on the quiet Sunday morning of June 25, 1950 - June 24th in Washington - the North Korean Peoples Army attacked South Korea. They crossed the 38th parallel with 135,000 soldiers and 22 Russian built tanks. This action touched off one of the most tragic events of our time - What has been referred to as "Korea - the Forgotten War" Side 2 The Valor of the Ground Forces The Korean war was one of the bloodiest in history. In 37 months of fighting both sides used . . . — Map (db m48281) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — S-36 Submarine Memorial |
| | Front 1 of 52 U.S. Submarines lost during WWII Lost on her 2nd patrol, January 20, 1942 in Makassar Strait, Indonesia. Left Image U.S. Submarine Veterans World War II In memory of all submarines and crews on eternal patrol Right Image United States Submarine Veterans Honoring all U.S. Navy Submarine sailors. Reverse During WWII the U.S. Submarine Force suffered the highest loss rate of the U.S. Armed Forces. Of the 16,000 officers and enlisted men that served . . . — Map (db m48269) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — The First Licensed Ferry |
| | This Boulder Commemorates The first licensed ferry at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
1847
The first Pontoon Bridge at Sycamore Street (Now Grand Avenue)
1856
The First Toll Bridge at Court Avenue
1856 — Map (db m41875) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — War Of The Rebellion Monument |
| | (Front side):
Iowa's tribute to the courage, patriotism, and distinguished service of all her soldiers and sailors who fought in the war of the rebellion 1861- 1865
(Back side):
Designed By Harriet A. Ketcham MT. Pleasant, Iowa.
Located and erected by act of The 24th General Assembly. Approved April 7th. 1892. — Map (db m42147) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Des Moines — William Boyd Allison |
| | United States Senator MDCCCXXIX • MCMVIII for forty-three years A member of Congress from Iowa Oldest in service Wisest in council A friend of all — Map (db m48275) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Mitchellville — 23 — Historic Des Moines / Noted Des Moines Residents |
| | Marker Front: The fork of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers was recognized as an ideal site a military post as early 1834. Fort Des Moines was established in 1843, but was abandoned in 1846 following the treaty whereby the Sauk and Mesquakie Indians relinquished their rights to the surrounding lands. The sale of army property provided housing for white settlers who began to moved into the area at that time. Des Moines became a county eat in 146, and in 1857 the state capital was moved . . . — Map (db m33009) HM |
| Iowa (Polk County), Mitchellville — Universalist Church — 1868 |
| | This church was built by Thomas Mitchell. Thomas Mitchell was born in New Hampshire in 1816. he came to Iowa Territory in 1840, and in 1844 became the first white settler of Polk County. He built cabins and later inns to feed and shelter the hundreds of people going west. He defended the American Indians and during the Civil War hid run-away slaves. In 1856 Mr. Mitchell founded Mitchellville. He donated land for the wide streets, the city park, and the cemetery. Later he gave land and money for . . . — Map (db m44833) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Civil War Memorial |
| | Dedicated to the memory of the defenders of our flag. “Greater love hath no man.” (Reverse side) Erected 1926 by Abe Lincoln’s Woman’s Relief Corps, No. 180, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1861-1865. — Map (db m45066) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Council Bluffs Veterans Plaza |
| | The Glory of their Spirit. When destiny demanded and country called, They in answer left our rolling hills and great river valley, and learned the arts of war. Then, on and beneath restless waves of the deep, in endless skies and across vast oceans to island shores, on broad plains and barren hillsides, in dark forests, on snow-covered mountains and in the rubble of smashed villages and cities they faced and fought, with valor and dedication, those who challenged our ideals and freedom and, in . . . — Map (db m44840) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds |
| | One of the most remarkable infantry marches in American history began here in July 1846 with the mustering of the Mormon Battalion. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) responded to the request from President James K. Polk to serve the United States in the war with Mexico. The 500 volunteers were among thousands of Mormons who had left Nauvoo, Illinois that year and were moving west in search of a new home. The Battalion demonstrated the patriotism of the Mormons . . . — Map (db m22662) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Mormon Trail |
| | This Boulder commemorates the early travel upon the Mormon Trail through Kanseville, now Council Bluffs and is dedicated to the memory of the throngs who crossed Iowa in advance of settlements. Here thousands of pioneers encamped awaiting pasturage on the plains and turns at the ferries to press onward into the beckoning golden west. We crossed the prairies as of old the pilgrims crossed the sea. To make the west, as they the east. The homestead of the free. In recognition of its work in . . . — Map (db m45065) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Seeking Buyers and Sellers |
| | French, Spanish, and British traders already controlled trade empires west of the Mississippi river when Lewis and Clark began the Expedition in 1804. but President Thomas Jefferson wanted the United States to control trade in the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.
First, many questions had to be answered: Is it true there is a direct water route to the Pacific Ocean? Are there minerals to mine? Where are good locations for towns, farmers, and military forts? Conducting this research was an . . . — Map (db m45162) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Spanish War Veterans |
| | 1899-1902, Philippine Islands, Cuba, Porto Rico, USA, Presented by Auxiliary No. 6, Dec. 1932, United Spanish War Veterans Camp No. 18. — Map (db m45064) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Squirrel Cage Jail |
| | The Historic Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail. Built in 1885 and in continuous use as a jail until 1969. Acquired by the Park Board in 1971 for preservation. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 by the United States Government. Purchased by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, January 15, 1979. — Map (db m44839) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — The Historic General Dodge House |
| | Built by General Grenville M. Dodge in 1869 and designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior of the National Park Service in 1963. Acquired as a museum through public donations and restored by the Council Bluffs Park Department and the Dodge House Board of Trustees. Council Bluffs Park Commission. J. Frederic Schlott, Charles R. Hannan, Everett L. Shockey. — Map (db m44838) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — We Were All Busily Engaged |
| | After traveling 68 days and 600 miles, it was time for the Corps of discovery to stop for a rest. On July 22, 1804, William Clark wrote, they camped on the east side of the Missouri River, about 10 miles above the mouth of the Platte River, on land “covered with timbers of oak, walnut and elm.”
Patrick Gass, expedition carpenter, described in his journal how the crew spent their five days near here. “Our people were all busily engaged in hunting, making oars, dressing . . . — Map (db m45164) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Council Bluffs — Western Historic Trails Center; Starting the Journey |
| | The Western Historic Trails Center welcomes you to the story of America’s trails west. The trip across the county from the Mississippi to the Pacific required stamina and ingenuity to overcome the challenges of the landscape. Walk along the levee and the Missouri River and view the place where thousands began their journeys. Inside the Center, share the story of their experiences in time and place; then plan a journey of your own. — Map (db m45161) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Crescent — Anticipating An Indian Council |
| | One of President Jefferson’s goals for this expedition was to seek out the native peoples and council with them. On July 28, 2804, the expedition passed this overlook area early in the morning and noted of this area “a bluff on the S.S. (Starboard Side), the first high land above the Nodaway (river) on that side.” They observed a site below these bluffs where the “Aiawuay (Iowa) Indians formerly lived” and had just passed another old Indian camp downstream on the other . . . — Map (db m45111) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Crescent — Like a Bald Man’s Head |
| | During late July and early August of 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled the length of the Missouri River that today is the boarder between Iowa and Nebraska. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark studied the river, forests, and prairies. They often hiked along the riverbanks and explored inland while other crew members kept the keelboat and pirogues moving upriver. Clark described the river bluffs and tall grass prairie in his journal. He compared the bluffs to the head of a bald man, . . . — Map (db m45117) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Crescent — The Lewis and Clark Expedition |
| | In 1804-06, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led about 40 soldiers and boatmen on an epic journey. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned this “Corps of discovery” to find a route to the Pacific Ocean through the newly acquired Louisiana territory. Along the way, they mapped the land, recorded its resources, and contacted its native inhabitants. The landscape has changed since Lewis and Clark explored it: rivers have been dammed, forests cut over, prairies plowed under, . . . — Map (db m45116) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Underwood — Historic Council Bluffs / Noted Council Bluffs Residents |
| | Marker Front: The Council Bluffs area was the scene of such important events in Iowa history as the explorations of Lewis and Clark, the Mormon Trail, the Missouri River steamboat traffic and the railroad industry. Francois Guittar established the first white settlement here at Trader’s Point in 1824. When the Mormons arrived in 1846 they called the community Kanesville. By special charter in 1853 the State Legislature changed the name to Council Bluffs. The name derives from a council . . . — Map (db m33290) HM |
| Iowa (Pottawattamie County), Underwood — Historic Council Bluffs / Noted Council Bluffs Residents |
| | Marker Front: The Council Bluffs area was the scene of such important events in Iowa history as the explorations of Lewis and Clark, the Mormon Trail, the Missouri River steamboat traffic and the railroad industry. Francois Guittar established the first white settlement here at Trader’s Point in 1824. When the Mormons arrived in 1846 they called the community Kanesville. By special charter in 1853 the State Legislature changed the name to Council Bluffs. The name derives from a council . . . — Map (db m33291) HM |
| Iowa (Poweshiek County), Montezuma — The Bill of Rights — The First 10 Amendments to the Constitution as Ratified by the States — December 15, 1791 |
| | Amendment I.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II.
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III.
No . . . — Map (db m8938) HM |
| Iowa (Scott County), Bettendorf — Historic Davenport / Interstate 80 Bridge |
| | Marker Front: In 1829, William C. Redfield declared that Davenport lay opposite the future terminus of a “geographical trunk-line route” between the Atlantic and the Mississippi. Nine years later, in 1838, the Iowa Sun and Davenport and Rock Island News declared Davenport was destined to be the “Queen City of the Far West.” A score of early travelers shared this enthusiasm for rich soil, healthy climate and strategic location of Davenport on the west bank . . . — Map (db m33660) HM |
| Iowa (Scott County), Bettendorf — Historic Davenport / Interstate 80 Bridge |
| | Marker Front: In 1829, William C. Redfield declared that Davenport lay opposite the future terminus of a “geographical trunk-line route” between the Atlantic and the Mississippi. Nine years later, in 1838, the Iowa Sun and Davenport and Rock Island News declared Davenport was destined to be the “Queen City of the Far West.” A score of early travelers shared this enthusiasm for rich soil, healthy climate and strategic location of Davenport on the west bank . . . — Map (db m33661) HM |
| Iowa (Scott County), Davenport — 39 — Marion G. Crandell — 1872-1918 |
| | Marion Crandell was the first American woman to die in the war zone during World War I. She was born in Cedar Rapids, but spent several years in France, where she attended the Sorbonne University. In 1916 she came to Davenport as a teacher at St. Katherine’s School when the war broke out, she offered her services to the YMCA division which aided French soldiers, and arrived in Paris in February 1918. She was killed on March 27 when a German artillery shell struck the building where was lodging. She was buried in a French military cemetery. — Map (db m33120) HM |
| Iowa (Union County), Talmage — Mt. Pisgah – Mormon Pioneer Way Station/Chief Pied Riche Tells the Spirit of Mt. Pisgah |
| | (front of main marker)
Mt. Pisgah - Mormon Pioneer Way Station
Between 300 and 400 Mormon pioneers perished here from 1846 to 1852. Having been driven from their homes by armed mobs, they stopped here on their westward trek, named it Mt. Pisgah after a Biblical mountain range, and established a way-station. Thousands of acres were cleared, buildings built, and caves dug for shelter until log cabins were constructed, but lack of food and adequate shelter took their toll. In spite . . . — Map (db m20995) HM |
| Iowa (Van Buren County), Bentonsport — Iowa’s Confederate General |
| | General Lawrence Sullivan ‘Sul’ Ross, CSA, was born in Bentonsport, Iowa, Van Buren County on September 27, 1838. His family moved to Texas in 1839, where he grew to manhood.
In 1859, Sul Ross was commissioned a Captain in the Texas Rangers, fought Comanches, rescued Cynthia Ann Parker (Mother of Quanah Parker), and in 1861, enlisted as a Private in the 6th Texas Cavalry CSA.
He rose rapidly through the ranks to become Brigadier General of the 6th Texas Cavalry and later Brigade . . . — Map (db m2565) HM |
| Iowa (Van Buren County), Bonaparte — Mormon Trail Crossing at Des Moines River |
| | Brigham Young and band of Mormons crossed the Des Moines River here March 5, 1846 on their trek to Utah. — Map (db m30188) HM |
| Iowa (Wapello County), Eddyville — Curtis King — Civil War - Iowa - Wapello Co |
| | U.S. muster rolls record him at age 80 as oldest man serving in Union army. — Map (db m30370) HM |
| Iowa (Warren County), Indianola — Junior D. Edwards Memorial |
| | In honor of
Junior D. Edwards
SFC U.S. Army
Oct 2, 1926 Jan 2, 1951
The only Iowan in
the Korean Conflict to receive
the Congressional Medal
of Honor — Map (db m62723) WM |
| Iowa (Worth County), Northwood — Historic Northern Iowa / Carrie Lane Chapman Catt - (1859 - 1947) |
| | Side A Northern Iowa landforms result from the action of 3 separate glacial ice sheets. Clear Lake, south of here, is one of the many Iowa lakes formed by glacial action. Pilot Knob, a glacially formed hill west of here, is one of highest points in northern Iowa and was used as a landmark by early travellers.
Much of the Western two-thirds of Iowa was prairie when the first settlers arrived. Pioneers in this area travelled through grasses 5 to 7 feet tall. Many of them referred . . . — Map (db m23264) HM |
| Iowa (Worth County), Northwood — South Shell Rock Lutheran |
| |
Congregation organized
by Rev C.L. Clausen
1869. Church erected
on "Rustad Bakke."
Dedicated 1875
Destroyed by fire 1920
Iowa 150
Celebrate Our State
1846 • 1996 — Map (db m16582) HM |
| Iowa (Worth County), Northwood — Worth County Courthouse Cannon |
| |
Cast during the Civil
War years by the
Northwood Foundry,
once located on the
north bank of the
Shell Rock River.
Iowa
150
Celebrate
Our State
1846 • 1996 — Map (db m16572) HM |
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