Ames in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Land-Grant Home Economics College
Iowa State University
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025
1. First Land-Grant Home Economics College Marker
In 1871, Iowa State became the first land-grant institution in the nation to teach "domestic science." In 1872, Mary B. Welch, wife of Iowa State President Adonijah Welch, became the first domestic science instructor giving lectures to support laboratory classes in "kitchen, dining room and laundry." From these beginnings grew the nation's first land-grant college of family and consumer sciences.
Erected by Iowa State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 42° 1.726′ N, 93° 38.777′ W. Marker is in Ames, Iowa, in Story County. It is on Osborn Drive east of Morrill Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in front of MacKay Hall, on the grounds of Iowa State University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2302 Osborn Dr, Ames IA 50011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Birthplace of the Computer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Veterinary Medicine College (about 300 feet away); World's Hardiest Roses (about 500 feet away); The Farm House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Land-Grant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Finest Blue Cheese (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Statistical Laboratory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jack Trice (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ames.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 17, 2025
2. First Land-Grant Home Economics College Marker
Marker is in front of MacKay Hall on the campus of Iowa State University.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
