Coralville in Johnson County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Samuel Jordan Kirkwood

1813 – 1894

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 10, 2010

1. Samuel Jordan Kirkwood Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Kirkwood is the only Iowan to serve as governor, U.S. senator and as a cabinet member. He came to Iowa in 1855 to operate a grist mill in this vicinity. Elected governor in 1859 as a Republican, Kirkwood administered the office with forcefulness and ability during the Civil War. In 1864 he filled a vacancy in the Senate and later served a third term as governor. He was elected senator again in 1877, but resigned to become Secretary of the Interior in 1881. After President Garfield’s assassination, Kirkwood retired from politics and returned to Iowa City.

Erected 1978 by Iowa State Historical Department, Division of the State Historical Society and by the Johnson County Historical Society. (Marker Number 33.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield, and the Iowa - State Historical Society of Iowa series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 41° 40.435′ N, 91° 34.219′ W. Marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

in Coralville, Iowa, in Johnson County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street and 3rd Avenue, on the left when traveling west on 5th Street. The marker is located at the Johnson County Historical Society Heritage Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 5th Street, Coralville IA 52241, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mormon Handcart Brigade Camp (approx. 0.9 miles away); The First State University to Admit Women on an Equal Basis with Men (approx. 1.9 miles away); Old Dental Building (approx. 1.9 miles away); Old Brick (approx. 2 miles away); The Old Stone Capitol (approx. 2 miles away); In Memorium (approx. 2 miles away); The Old Capitol (approx. 2 miles away); Schaeffer Hall (approx. 2 miles away).

Wide view of the Samuel Jordan Kirkwood Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 10, 2010

2. Wide view of the Samuel Jordan Kirkwood Marker

The marker stands on the front lawn of the Heritage Museum of Johnson County.

Grave site of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 10, 2010

3. Grave site of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood

The Kirkwood family plot at Oakland Cemetery in nearby Iowa City

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,320 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.