West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

A President's Rural Roots

— Herbert Hoover National Historic Site —

Photographed by Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

1. A President's Rural Roots Marker

Inscription. Born in a modest two-room cottage, Herbert Hoover spent most of his first 11 years in West branch. He went on to become the President of the United States-the first one born west of the Mississippi River. Here Hoover's parents and neighbors instilled in him the Quaker principles of honesty and hard work that formed his strong beliefs in self-reliance and American individualism. This comparative landscape Preserved historic features underlying Hoovers achievements as a mining engineer, humanitarian, and statesman.

Few American Presidents had such humble beginnings and were so authentically called "self-made" as Herbert Hoover.
Eugene Lyons, Herbert Hoover: A Biography, 1964

Touring the Park
Get oriented at the visitor center. See exhibits and a film about Herbert Hoover and find information about self-guided tours.

Be sure to visit the Birthplace Cottage, Presidential Library and Museum, and the graves of President Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. Also in this memorial park are a blackmith shop, Quaker meetinghouse, and a schoolhouse.

Safety Tips
*Boardwalks may be slippery when wet or icy.
*Designated sidewalks.
Do not climb trees and fences.
Avoid creek banks, which are steep and unstable.

Erected by National

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Park Service, Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.

Location. 41° 40.257′ N, 91° 20.795′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. It is at the intersection of Wetherell Street and South Downey Street, on the left when traveling west on Wetherell Street. 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: Explore Historic Downtown (here, next to this marker); Laban Miles House (here, next to this marker); A World of Opportunity (a few steps from this marker); Garvin House (a few

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 17, 2023

2. A President's Rural Roots Marker

steps from this marker); Leech House (within shouting distance of this marker); Varney House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named C.E. Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A World of Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Laban Miles House (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Amanda Garvin Cottage (was a few steps from 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 C.E. Smith 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).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 303 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 22, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.