West Point in Lee County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Iowa Sesquicentennial

1846 — 1996

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

1. Iowa Sesquicentennial Marker

Inscription.
On January 13, 1843, the Lee County seat was relocated to West Point from Ft. Madison (Iowa Territory). The building stood in this square until 1900. In 1845, a notable murder trial was held here.

Erected by West Point Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1843.

Location. 40° 43.057′ N, 91° 27.198′ W. Marker is in West Point, Iowa, in Lee County. It is on 4th Street just north of Avenue D (County Road J40), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located beside the community pavilion at the north end of City Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 328 4th Street, West Point IA 52656, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

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the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In Honor of Our Nation's Bicentennial (here, next to this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); West Point Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln Presidential Campaign Flagpole (approx. 7.9 miles away); Steam Locomotive 2913 (approx. 9.7 miles away); The "James" Cannon (approx. 9.8 miles away); 1812 Battlefield Site (approx. 9.8 miles away); Old Fort Madison (approx. 9.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.

Also see . . . Lee County Courthouse – Fort Madison, Iowa (American Courthouses).

Excerpt: Lee County was created in 1837 and Fort Madison was selected as the county seat. The first courthouse was built in 1841. The cost of construction of the 1842 courthouse in Fort Madison was $12,000. The county seat was moved to West Point in 1843 and the courthouse was rented until the county seat was returned to Fort
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

2. Iowa Sesquicentennial Marker
Looking west across the west side of City Square Park; 4th Street is in the background.
Madison in 1845.

(Submitted on January 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

3. Iowa Sesquicentennial Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.