Union Park in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Ida B. Wise Smith

1871-1952

November 6, 2023

1. Ida B. Wise Smith Marker

Inscription. Born in Philadelphia, Ida B. Wise Smith rose to national prominence as a Iowan dedicated to the causes of women's suffrage, prohibition, and children's rights. Mrs. Smith pressed her causes in the political arena, achieving the enactment of a state prohibition amendment during her tenure as president of the state Women's Christian Temperance Union. Following a twenty-year term at this post, she served as president of the national WCTU from 1933 to 1945. She pushed for the enactment of the Iowa "children's code" and the establishment of the child welfare research station at the University of Iowa. Mrs. Smith was also an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ Church.

Erected 1979 by the Iowa State Historical Department Division of the State Historical Society and by the Polk County Historical Society. (Marker Number 38.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Women. In addition, it is included in the Iowa - State Historical Society of Iowa series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 41° 36.744′ N, 93° 36.422′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in Union Park. Marker is on East 9th Street south of Thompson

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Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Located in Union Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2009 Saylor Rd, Des Moines IA 50313, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cambodia (approx. 1.3 miles away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 1.4 miles away); Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (approx. 1½ miles away); Iowa Veterans Memorial (approx. 1½ miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 1½ miles away); Dedicated to You, A Free Citizen in a Free Land (approx. 1½ miles away); Korean War (approx. 1.6 miles away); War Of The Rebellion Monument (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.

Also see . . . Smith, Ida B. Wise - The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa - The University of Iowa Libraries. (Submitted on November 9, 2023.)

November 6, 2023

2. Ida B. Wise Smith Marker

November 6, 2023

3. Ida B. Wise Smith Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2023. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2023.