Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

First Building in Council Bluffs

December 26, 2024

1. First Building in Council Bluffs Marker

Inscription. This boulder marks the site of a log blockhouse erected in 1837 by United States troops stationed among the Pottawattamie Indians.

It was the first building in what is now Council Bluffs. From 1838 to 1841 it was occupied as a Catholic mission.

Erected 1971 by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 41° 15.855′ N, 95° 50.426′ W. Marker is in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in Pottawattamie County. It is at the intersection of East Pierce Street and Franklin Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Pierce Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Council Bluffs IA 51503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Iowa, in Loess Hills,

and in Greater Omaha.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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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: Pierre Jean De Smet, S.J. (within shouting distance of this marker); A March of Faith (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sarah Allen (about 500 feet away); Fanny Taggart (about 500 feet away); To Untie the Feet of the Twelve (about 500 feet away); Sophronia Standage (about 500 feet away); Elizabeth Hyde (about 500 feet away); Reuniting and Reaffirming Faith (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Council Bluffs.

Also see . . . Council Bluffs' First Building - Council Bluffs Revealed | YouTube. (Submitted on January 12, 2025.)

December 26, 2024

2. First Building in Council Bluffs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2025. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 12, 2025.