Ottumwa in Wapello County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

National Humane Alliance Fountain

1906

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 21, 2025

1. National Humane Alliance Fountain Marker

Inscription. Presented by
The National
Humane Alliance
Hermon Lee Ensign
Founder

Erected 1906.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the National Humane Alliance Fountains series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 41° 1.11′ N, 92° 24.863′ W. Marker is in Ottumwa, Iowa, in Wapello County. It can be reached from South Washington Street (River Street) just south of West Main Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker and fountain are in Ballingall Park, near southeast corner of the former Burlington Depot building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 West Main Street, Ottumwa IA 52501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Burlington Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Depots of Ottumwa (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Ballingall Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Locomotive 3001 (within shouting distance of this marker); J. B. Sax Co. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edna Ferber

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(about 800 feet away); Philip B. Hofmann (about 800 feet away); Ottumwa Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ottumwa.

Also see . . .
1. National Humane Alliance Fountains.

Excerpt: Ottumwa, Iowa received their fountain in October, 1906 and installed it in front of City Hall at the intersection of Court and Third Streets. Lewis Seaver from the National Humane Alliance had visited Ottumwa to select and approve the site. The fountain still exists today, but it stands on the grounds of the Ottumwa Station (former Burlington Depot).

(Submitted on March 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. National Humane Alliance Fountains (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: The National Humane Alliance fountains are a series of granite drinking fountains distributed by the National Humane Alliance, intended to provide fresh drinking water for horses, dogs, cats, and people. About 125 of the fountains were donated to cities throughout the United States and Mexico between 1902 and 1915. The fountains' original use became obsolete not long after they were installed as motor vehicles replaced horses
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 21, 2025

2. National Humane Alliance Fountain
in urban areas. Mostly located in busy intersections, the fountains became traffic hazards and many of them were removed to parks or other quieter locations. Nevertheless, around 70 of the fountains are still publicly viewable, including several examples that have been restored and are still functional.
The fountains are not all identical, but most share one of two basic designs. The most common version is 6 feet 8 inches tall, consisting of a large circular bowl with a square pillar rising from its center placed on a square pedestal. The main bowl, intended for horses, is 6 feet in diameter and is fed by bronze spigots in the shape of lion heads on three sides of the upper pillar. The fourth side contains a bronze plaque listing the date of the fountain's construction.

(Submitted on March 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

National Humane Alliance Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 21, 2025

3. National Humane Alliance Fountain

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 21, 2025

4. National Humane Alliance Fountain

Looking west; Ottumwa Station (formerly Burlington Depot) is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.