Nevada in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Jefferson Highway
Heritage Byway
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 25, 2024
1. Jefferson Highway Marker
The Jefferson Highway was formed in 1915 as the major north and south highway. From Winnipeg to New Orleans, it was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson for his role in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Lincoln Highway, the first east coast to west coast highway, was formed in 1913. From this spot east to Colo, Iowa is the only shared section of these two roads.
Captions
As the means for crossing the country changed, so did the roads that carried the travelers.
Turning off of Lincoln Highway on to the Jefferson Highway, heading for the towns of Shipley and Elkhart, tourists would see the hustle and bustle of Main Street Nevada. Being at the crossroads of both north, south, east and west made Nevada a progressive town. It was a hub for farmers, town folks and tourists, as well as lifeline for America's industry.
Panel designed by Prairie Rivers of Iowa
Erected by Story County Medical Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Jefferson Highway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 42° 1.364′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines. 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 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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lincoln Highway (a few steps from this marker); Maxwell Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.6 miles away); Maxwell Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.7 miles away); Finest Blue Cheese (approx. 9.8 miles away); The Farm House (approx. 9.9 miles away); Sloss House (approx. 9.9 miles
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 25, 2024
2. Jefferson Highway Marker
Along the iron fence looking towards the staging area of Lincoln Jefferson Highways Heritage Park
More about this marker. The marker is on a stand attached to the South facing iron fence of the Lincoln Jefferson Highways Heritage Park.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 25, 2024
3. Entrance to Lincoln Jefferson Highways Heritage Park
Marker is around to the right along the iron fence
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 25, 2024
4. Looking south along Jefferson Highway (6th Street) as it turns from Lincoln Highway
Reproduction shot of the photo on the far right side of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 291 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 13, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
