Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Jacob Hoffman Cabin
(replica 1969)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 18, 2025
1. Jacob Hoffman Cabin Marker
Jacob Hoffman was an early settler in Black Hawk County. He is the prototype of Wayne Lockwood in the novel Song of Years by Bess Streeter Aldridge, published in 1939. Aldridge related stories of early Sturgis Falls (Cedar Falls) such as Hoffman's 100 mile walk from Black Hawk County to Dubuque in 1854 to file for his homestead in Bennington Township. He built this 12x20 foot cabin on land purchased for $1.25 per acre. The cabin housed Hoffman, his wife Sarah, 6 of their 8 children and two hired men. 10 persons in all.
Replica at original site
4405 East Big Rock Road, Waterloo, Iowa
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 42° 32.168′ N, 92° 26.928′ W. Marker is in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in Black Hawk County. It is on West 3rd Street west of Clay Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is near the south end of Overman Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 316 W 3rd St, Cedar Falls IA 50613, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Overman Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Sturgis Park (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lawn City (about 800 feet away); Millrace (about 800 feet away); Ice House Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Cedar Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away); Soldiers Monument (approx. half a mile away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar Falls.
Also see . . . Local Girl Scout Cadette troop earns highest attainable honor. (Submitted on July 10, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 18, 2025
2. Jacob Hoffman Cabin Marker
Cabin is located at Overman Park.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 18, 2025
3. Jacob Hoffman Cabin
The cabin as seen from 3rd Street
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
