Pella in Marion County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Tuttle Cabin

November 5, 2023

1. Tuttle Cabin Marker

Inscription. The Tuttle Cabin is named for Thomas and Nancy Tuttle, the first pioneer couple to settle at what would later become the city of Pella.

In 1842, the U.S. Government purchased eleven milion acres of the Iowa Territory from the Sauk and Mesquakie Native American tribes. These tribes agreed to evacuate the eastern half of the session, marked by the "Red Rock" line, by May 1, 1843.

The newlywed Tuttles arrived here on Saturday, May 13, 1843, unaware of another settler within 20 miles. They decided to claim this land for their farmstead. It was ideally located atop the ridge that divides the Des Moines River from the South Skunk River and at that time was a mere ten miles from the nation's westernmost frontier border.

Over the next few months the couple proceeded to stake out their land claim and "bust" the thick prairie sod, construct shelter and prepare to endure a lonely, harsh winter. When food ran low in mid-winter, Thomas made a solo, nine-day journey for supplies. Nancy remained alone to guard the farm and tend the livestock. Passersby paid unexpected visits to the cabin, requesting food, which Nancy graciously

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shared. Her only protection was their large cat, which later became famous for its long life.

In 1844 the Tuttles planted and harvested their first crop. As other settlers arrived, the surrounding Marion County was organized in 1845. In 1846 Iowa became the 29th state admitted to the Union.

In July 1847 an itinerant Baptist minister and mail carrier, named Moses J. Post, brought five Hollanders to visit the Tuttles. Dominie (Reverend) Hendrik Peter Scholte was the leader of this small Dutch committee. In turn, this committee represented 900 Hollanders that were recuperating in St. Louis, having endured an arduous immigration to America in search of economic and religious freedom.

Scholte correctly envisioned that this area would make an excellent location on which to build his "City of Refuge" for the Hollanders. Scholte negotiated the purchase of the Tuttle's farm and then the committee quickly proceeded to purchase additional land from other nearby pioneers.

A month later, Scholte led the anxiously waiting band of Hollanders to their new Iowa home. One of Scholte's first acts was to survey and locate the center nine blocks

November 5, 2023

2. Tuttle Cabin & Marker

of the city of Pella atop the Tuttle's existing field.

With the arrival of the Hollanders, the Tuttles resettled about 20 miles away where they farmed for the next three decades.

The Tuttle Cabin is constructed from native walnut timber and is believed to be the oldest existing building in Marion County.

Erected 2017 by the Pella Historic Trust with funding from: Marion County Community Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1843.

Location. 41° 24.65′ N, 92° 54.939′ W. Marker is in Pella, Iowa, in Marion County. It is on Lincoln Street west of Houston Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 Lincoln St, Pella IA 50219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern 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

Tuttle Cabin image. Click for full size.

November 5, 2023

3. Tuttle Cabin

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: The Land Before the Dutch (a few steps from this marker); Why the Dutch Left Their Homeland (within shouting distance of this marker); A Nod to the Baptists (within shouting distance of this marker); The Early Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Pella and the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Dutch Influence on Today's Pella (within shouting distance of this marker); Tulip Time and Sunken Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Pella Civil War Monument (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pella.

Also see . . . Tuttle Cabin - Historic Pella Trust. (Submitted on November 18, 2023.)

Additional keywords. Historic Pella Landmark

Tuttle Log Cabin NRHP Marker image. Click for full size.

November 5, 2023

4. Tuttle Log Cabin NRHP Marker

Tuttle Log Cabin
1843
Built by Thomas and Nancy Tuttle, early pioneer homesteaders
It was here in August of 1847 Dominie H. P. Scholte purchased the land which became Pella, Iowa
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in 2014

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2023. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2023.