West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A World of Opportunity
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
1. A World of Opportunity Marker
“My country owes me nothing. It gave me, as it gives every boy and girl, a chance...in no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope.”
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site commemorates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover, the 31st U.S. president. Born in the village of West Branch, Iowa, to a family of modest means, Hoover believed in the “unbounded opportunity of American life.”
Explore Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, and discover how family, faith, education, and hard work opened a world of opportunity – even the presidency – to a man of simple beginnings.
Picture captions:
Herbert Hoover was born in this small two-room cottage on August 10, 1874. He was the first president born west of the Mississippi River.
Start your tour at the visitor center to see exhibits and a brief film on Hoovers childhood. Enjoy the self-guided audio tour of the site and its historic buildings. Visit nearby Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, and Friends Meetinghouse.
Erected by National
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series list.
Location. 41° 40.258′ N, 91° 20.805′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. It is at the intersection of Wetherell Street and Downey Street, on the right when traveling east on Wetherell Street. Marker is located at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Garvin House (a few steps from this marker); Explore Historic Downtown
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
2. A World of Opportunity Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Amanda Garvin Cottage (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Laban Miles House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The C.E. Smith House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Dr. Leech House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Hannah Varney House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
3. Marker at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
A photograph of downtown West Branch at the bottom left of the marker includes a caption of “Fifteen downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They represent West Branchs Golden Era of American Architecture.”
Also see . . . Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
4. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace
President Hoover's father and grandfather built this 14-by-20 foot cottage in 1871. He was born here on August 10, 1874.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
5. Blacksmith Shop
In his youth, Herbert Hoover worked in his father's blacksmith shop.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
6. Inside the Schoolhouse
Young Herbert Hoover attended school in this building.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
7. Friends Meeting House
Herbert Hoover attended services with his family in this Quaker Meeting House.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on December 14, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
