Herbert Hoover's Birthplace

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

1. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace Marker

Inscription.
"This cottage where I was born is physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life."

In 1871, Jesse Hoover built this two-room cottage near his blacksmith shop and moved in with his wife, Hulda, and young son, Theodore. Herbert Hoover was born here on August 10, 1874. When "Bert" was two, his sister, Mary was born.

This was the Hoover's first home, and although it was small it served the young family well. During the warm months, the cook-stove was moved to the back porch, which became a summer kitchen.

In 1879, as Jesse prospered, the family moved to a larger, two-story house about one block south of here. That home is no longer standing, but a plaque marks its location.

For more information, you may listen to an audio program on the back porch of the cottage.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 40.216′ N, 91° 20.806′ W. Marker was in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. Marker was on North Downey Street

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. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Birthplace Cottage (here, next to this marker); Herbert Hoover (a few steps from this marker); From Downey Street to Pennsylvania Avenue (a few steps from this marker); Forging Character (within shouting distance of this marker); C.E. Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); A World of Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker); Helping War Victims (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

More about this marker. Replaced by marker # 162634.

Herbert Hoover's Birthplace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

2. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace

Back porch/Summer kitchen image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

3. Back porch/Summer kitchen

Nearby Daughters of the American Revolution Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

4. Nearby Daughters of the American Revolution Plaque

Water pump with a crank handle. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

5. Water pump with a crank handle.

Jesse Hoover's Blacksmith Shop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2011

6. Jesse Hoover's Blacksmith Shop

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 956 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.