La Porte City in Black Hawk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Jesse Wasson Society
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
1. The Jesse Wasson Society Marker
Dr. Jesse Wasson, founder of our community, devoted his life to the constant improvement and planning for the future of La Porte City. To honor his foresight and continue his visionary thinking, the Friends of the Museum have established the Jesse Wasson Society. Donations received to this society will help establish an endowment to ensure the future of the La Porte City FFA Historical and Ag Museum ad infinitum. Engraved bricks paving the entrance to the Rural Iowa Heritage Center can be purchased to support the endowment.
Erected by La Porte City Historic Preservation Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 42° 18.825′ N, 92° 11.503′ W. Marker is in La Porte City, Iowa, in Black Hawk County. It is on Chestnut Street just north of 1st Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the old La Porte City Fire Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 413 Chestnut Street, La Porte City IA 50651, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chestnut Firestation (here, next to this marker); Rural Iowa Heritage Center
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Dr Jesse Wasson. Find A Grave website entry:
In March 1855 he removed to Black Hawk County, where he purchased 20 acres of land and founded the town of La Porte City, Iowa. From then until his death, he had his hand in almost everything that went on in the town of Laporte City. He laid out the town and sold lots; he operated the first store; he was Justice of the Peace and the first Postmaster; he was the owner, editor, and publisher of the only newspaper The Progress Review; he built the first brick house and brick commercial building; he owned the cheese factory and creamery; he served as mayor; and was a member of the Iowa legislature.(Submitted on March 17, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Marker detail: Dr. Jesse Wasson
2. Jesse Wasson Society. La Port City website entry:
When Dr. Jesse Wasson founded our community, he named it after his beloved childhood home in La Porte, Indiana. His life was devoted to the constant improvement and planning for the future of La Porte City.(Submitted on March 17, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Jesse Wasson Award.
The Jesse Wasson Award was established in 1980 in memory of La Porte Citys forefather, Dr. Jesse Wasson, and is designed to honor a member of the community who has distinguished him or herself as a caring, committed citizen dedicated to community betterment.(Submitted on March 17, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
3. The Jesse Wasson Society Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
4. Old La Porte City Fire Station, Town Hall & Jailhouse
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
5. Dr. Jesse Wasson Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 17, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
