Grinnell in Poweshiek County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Josiah Bushnell Grinnell
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 16, 2026
1. Josiah Bushnell Grinnell Marker
This is the final resting place of Josiah Bushnell Grinnell; Congregational minister, co-founder of the town that bears his name, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and passionate abolitionist. As an active participant in the Underground Railroad, he used his influence as well as his home and barn to aid slaves in their quest for freedom. He welcomed John Brown and his party to Grinnell as Brown crossed Iowa on his fight from Kansas in 1859.
"No man in America more fully embodies the whole juice and spirit of rampant abolitionism in its present sense, than does J.B. Grinnell." (Iowa City Press, 1862)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 41° 44.177′ N, 92° 44.18′ W. Marker is in Grinnell, Iowa, in Poweshiek County. It can be reached from 1st Avenue West. Marker is located at Hazelwood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 1st Ave
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern 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: Merchants' National Bank (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic Buildings (approx. 0.8 miles away); Notable Grinnellians (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Notable Grinnellians (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Notable Grinnellians (approx. 0.8 miles away); Grinnell College (approx. 0.8 miles away); First Businesses (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Notable Grinnellians (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grinnell.
Also see . . . Josiah B. Grinnell on Wikipedia. Grinnell was also the founder of a small town (north of Grinnell) called Chapin, which
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 16, 2026
2. Josiah Bushnell Grinnell Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 16, 2026
3. Grinnell's grave marking
Photographed by Unknown, 1850
4. Josiah Bushnell Grinnell
from the Library of Congress; public domain
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
