West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Hoover Gravesite
| | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site | |
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025
1. Hoover Gravesite Marker
President Herbert Hoover died in New York City on October 20, 1964, at the age of 90. Five days later his body was interred on this hillside overlooking his birthplace and presidential library-a symbolic vista of his journey from birth to death. The remains of Lou Henry Hoover, who died January 7, 1944, were moved from California and placed beside her husband. Their son Allan selected the gravesite. Iowa architect William Wagner designed the memorial in collaboration with the Hoover family and William Anderson of the Hoover Birthplace Society. The two plainly inscribed gravestones reflect Quaker simplicity.
...one of the rich and rewarding inspirations of my life was to know him...I shall cherish his wisdom and his insights, but most especially I shall cherish the inspiration of his character.
President Lyndon Baines Johnson upon signing the law establishing Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, August 12, 1965.
Photo captions: Before Hoover's burial in West Branch, a service was held in New York City and his body lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda (above) in Washington.
A military honor guard carried Hoover's casket to the gravesite. More than 100,000 people lined the funeral procession from Cedar Rapids to West Branch.
Erected by National
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 20, 1964.
Location. 41° 40.094′ N, 91° 21.05′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. It is on Parkside Drive, on the right when traveling east. Located near the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Parkside Dr, 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: Surrounded by Farms (within shouting distance of this marker); Tall Grasses and Open Skies
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025
2. Hoover Gravesite Marker
The gravesite is up the hill.
Other markers no longer nearby. Iowa Prairie (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Schoolhouse (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Friends Meetinghouse (was approx. Ό mile away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site on Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (National Park Service). (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Connor Olson, July 26, 2020
3. Graves of Pres. and Mrs. Hoover
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
