Moravia in Appanoose County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
James Floyd Stevens
Wabash Depot/Moravia Historical Complex
| | 1903 | |
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 16, 2025
1. James Floyd Stevens Marker
Author James Floyd Stevens wrote short stories about the legendary, larger than life lumberjack Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox, based on tall tales he had heard in the logging camps of his youth. Stevens was born near Iconium, Iowa and moved to Moravia to live with his grandmother at the age of five. At 10, he was sent to live with relatives in Idaho and at the age of 15, he left home to work in the camps.
Stevens fought in France during World War I. He published his first Paul Bunyan book in 1925. In 1948, Stevens wrote his best received novel, Big Jim Turner, which had storing autobiographical elements "Ranch hand, mule skinner, hard rock driller, logger, big town truck teamster, Wobbly, hobo poet," Stevens wrote. "I worked as my hero works and dreamed as he dreams." A prolific writer Stevens also wrote poems, song lyrics, and magazine articles, including humorous stories about his time growing up here in Moravia.
Erected by Moravia Historical Complex.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 40° 53.513′ N, 92° 49.49′ W. Marker is in Moravia, Iowa, in Appanoose County. It can be reached from West North Street east of Myra Lane. Touch for map
this page online
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 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: Main Station Chapel (a few steps from this marker); Summer Kitchen (a few steps from this marker); Outhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Emergency Siren (within shouting distance of this marker); Coal Mine Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Wabash Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairview School (within shouting distance of this marker); Section Car (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moravia.
Also see . . . Wabash Depot Museum Complex. From the City of Moravia's website, more information on the historical train site. (Submitted on June 21, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 16, 2025
2. James Floyd Stevens Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
