West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Iowa Prairie
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
1. Iowa Prairie Marker
You are viewing 76 acres of partially restored tall grass prairie, planted in 1971. Extending from the historic Miles Farm, at the hilltop on your left, it provides a south western boundary for the historic site.
Prior to the settlement of West Branch, 85% of Iowa consisted of prairie. Trees were scarce until planted. Jesse Hoover imported lumber for construction of the birthplace of Herbert Hoover.
The plowed fields of the Miles Farm characterized the immediate landscape during Hoover’s youth. Prairie remnants persisted along the Wapsinonoc Creek and Burlington Railroad tracks, where Herbert Hoover spent many boyhood hours. He enjoyed a keen interest in nature and often referred to boyhood experiences:
“ . . . I was taken for a summer to live with Uncle Pennington Minthorn in Sioux County, Iowa, where he was breaking in a prairie farm. We lived in a sod house and I was privileged to ride the lead horse of a team which was opening the virgin soil.”
This prairie was established for its historical significance, educational value, and aesthetic appeal.
Prairie species native to Iowa are represented and identified in the demonstration plot on your near right.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic
this page online
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 41° 40.058′ N, 91° 21.074′ W. Marker was in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. Marker is located in the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Tall Grasses and Open Skies (here, next to this marker); Surrounded by Farms (here, next to this marker); Hoover Gravesite (within shouting distance of this marker); A World of Opportunity (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hoover Home (approx. ¼ mile away); To Herbert Hoover (approx. ¼ mile away); Helping War Victims (approx. ¼ mile away); Friends Meetinghouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
2. Iowa Prairie Marker
The Miles Farm can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
3. Iowa Prairie Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, Miles Farm
4. Iowa Prairie Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
5. Iowa Prairie
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
6. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace
Jesse Hoover built this house on the Iowa Prairie with imported lumber.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
7. Grave of President and Mrs. Hoover
Herbert Hoover and his wife are buried near the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on December 22, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 8, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
