West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A World of Opportunity
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
1. A World of Opportunity Marker
“My country owes me nothing. It gave me, as it gives every boy and girl, a chance . . . In no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope.”
President Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site commemorates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover, the 31st U.S. president. Born in the village of West Branch, Iowa, to a family of modest means, Hoover believed in the “unbounded opportunity of American life.”
Explore Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, and discover how family, faith, education, and hard work opened a world of opportunity – even the presidency – to a man of simple beginnings.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
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: #31 Herbert Hoover series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 10, 1874.
Location. 41° 40.228′ N, 91° 20.776′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. Marker can be reached from S Downey Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at the Herbert
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace of Herbert Hoover (here, next to this marker); From Downey Street to Pennsylvania Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Leech House (within shouting distance of this marker); Varney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); C.E. Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Laban Miles House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.
More about this marker. A map of the West Branch downtown historic district, which includes Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, appears on the right of the marker and shows the location of the marker and other buildings at the site. It has a caption of “Start your visit at the visitor center to see exhibits and a brief film on Hoover’s childhood. Enjoy the self-guided audio tour of the site and its historic buildings. Visit nearby Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, and Friends Meetinghouse.”
Photographs of Herbert Hoover’s birthplace and a young Herbert Hoover appear
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
2. A World of Opportunity Marker
Also see . . . Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
3. Marker at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
4. Herbert Hoover's Birthplace
The 31st President of the United States was born in this house on August 10, 1874.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
5. Inside Hoover's Birthhouse
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015
6. Inside Hoover's Birthhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
