Washington in Washington County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
This Log Cabin Erected by Alexander Young
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
1. This Log Cabin Erected by Alexander Young Marker
SE¼ — 34 — 76 — 8
Washington County, Iowa
in 1840.
Presented to Washington Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
by his sons,
Robert and Hueston.
Removed to this park by the Chapter
1912.
Erected 1912 by Washington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the National Register of Historic Places series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 41° 17.821′ N, 91° 42.135′ W. Marker is in Washington, Iowa, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from West Madison Street (State Highway 92) west of South F Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker(s) and cabin are located near the center of Sunset Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 West Madison Street, Washington IA 52353, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bicentennial (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Veterans Memorial
this page online
Regarding This Log Cabin Erected by Alexander Young. National Register of Historic Places #73000742. Also, a contributing Property in West Side Residential Historic District (NRHP #100002919).
From the National Register Nomination:
With its many-paned windows, rough stone fireplace, and the walls of perfectly hewn logs, this old log house is a good example of the pioneer's home of long ago. Built in 1840 by Alexander Young, this cabin is a relic of the days when the territory (now Washington County) was a sparsely settled section of tractless timber and wild prairie. An original structure, the cabin was constructed in Cedar Township before Washington County was formed. For 36 years this log house served as the family home for the Youngs, well knownmembers of the community. The Young family was active in the growing community and their home served many purposes and services: hospitality; keeping tired travelers overnight; holding church services; serving as a school for at least one term; and also as a post office. The first marriage in the township was performed in the log house.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 20212. Alexander Young Cabin National Register Marker(D.A.R. plaque mounted on cabin front door)
Cabin placed on National Register of Historic Places
August 14, 1973
Plaque in memory of
Zelma & Gertrude LettsIn 1912, the two remaining members of the Young family gave the old log cabin to the Daughters of the American Revolution as a memorial to all pioneers. It is the only cabin to be preserved in Washington County and the items on display in it are authentic and have been given by families of the community. Many items in the cabin are quite rare now, but all typical of the period in which the cabin was occupied. Meetings of the DAR are held at the cabin both spring and fall. It is open to the public one afternoon a week during the summer, some holidays, and by special appointment. This is the only residence-museum of this period in Washington County
Also see . . .
1. Young Log Cabin (Society of Architectural Historians). Excerpt:
The Alexander Young two-story log cabin was originally located on a 320-acre farm situated 4.5 miles northwest of Washington. The Daughters of the American Revolution moved it to Sunset Park and restored it in(Submitted on December 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)1912. The walls of the cabin are of split logs and the windows are double hung. A large stone fireplace and chimney dominate one of the building's gable ends.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 20213. Alexander Young Cabin Marker(s)The markers are mounted on, and above, the cabin front door.
2. Alexander Young Cabin (Wikipedia). (Submitted on December 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. West Side Residential Historic District (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
The contributing site is Sunset Park, which was developed by prominent residents who lived in the neighborhood in the early 20th century. It sits to the west of the residential area. The Alexander Young Cabin (1840) was relocated to the park in 1912, and it is individually listed on the National Register.(Submitted on December 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
4. Alexander Young Cabin (south/front elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
5. Alexander Young Cabin (southwest elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
6. Alexander Young Cabin (northwest elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
7. Alexander Young Cabin (southeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 41 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
