On Poplar Street near Wetherell Street, on the right when traveling north.
The four houses on this Poplar Street block were here in the 1870s and 1880s when Herbert Hoover was a boy. Families built the houses on lots they bought from John Wetherell, a Quaker real-estate developer who had subdivided 5 acres. The Hoover's . . . — — Map (db m162572) HM
On Wetherell Street at South Downey Street, on the left when traveling west on Wetherell Street.
Born in a modest two-room cottage, Herbert Hoover spent most of his first 11 years in West branch. He went on to become the President of the United States-the first one born west of the Mississippi River. Here Hoover's parents and neighbors . . . — — Map (db m163143) HM
Near S Downey Street, on the right when traveling south.
“It was here that I was given that tender care of mind and body, those first steps in education, that knowledge of poverty and struggle for family betterment which contribute to understanding of American life.” President . . . — — Map (db m87749) HM
Near S Downey Street, on the left when traveling north.
“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.” . . . — — Map (db m87751) HM
On Wetherell Street at Downey Street, on the right when traveling east on Wetherell Street.
“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 . . . — — Map (db m162568) HM
On South Downey Street at Penn Street, on the left when traveling north on South Downey Street.
This cottage where I was born is physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life. In no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope. . . . — — Map (db m162634) HM
On South Downey Street south of West Main Street, on the right when traveling south.
Charles E. Smith, a Civil War veteran and carpenter, moved in the 1880s to West Branch with his wife, Deborah. In 1903 he finished this dream house on top of Cook’s Hill, down the road to your left, where each spring he tapped his maple trees to . . . — — Map (db m162619) HM
On Penn Street at Downey Street, on the left when traveling west on Penn Street.
Visit the West Branch Commercial Historic District, just a block up the street. Buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, now listed in the National Register of Historic places, show how downtown West Branch changed from modest wood structures . . . — — Map (db m162607) HM
As a boy Herbert Hoover liked to watch his father, Jesse, shoe horses and repair plows, but he was not always careful. "Playing barefoot around the blacksmith shop," he recalled, "I stepped on a chip of hot iron and carry the brand of Iowa on my . . . — — Map (db m162555) HM
The Hoover family worshipped in this building along with neighbors and relatives who were members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers as they are often called. West Branch was predominately a Quaker community in the 1850's when this . . . — — Map (db m48312) HM
On South Downey Street near Penn Street, on the left when traveling south.
Herbert Clark Hoover was born on August 10, 1874, in this two-room cottage. He spent his early boyhood years on the edge of the village Surrounded by farmland. His parents, relatives, and many neighbors were Quakers whose daily lives were centered . . . — — Map (db m163144) HM
On Downey Street, on the right when traveling south.
Amanda Garvin was single and 35 when she bought this lot for $90 in 1870 and had the cottage built. She was renting the house by 1878 but lost it to foreclosure in 1885. With its gingerbread trim and ornamental arches, the cottage is a wonderful . . . — — Map (db m162642) HM
The Statue of Isis, Egyptian goddess of life, symbolizes Herbert Hoover's humanitarian efforts. Belgians gave Hoover the bronze statue to thank him for his help and staving off famine in their country in World War I. Hoover, a wealthy mining . . . — — Map (db m162581) HM
This site commemorates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hover, 31st President (1929-1932). The first president born west of the Mississippi River. Hoover grew up in a tradition that deeply influenced his ideals and long life of public . . . — — Map (db m48307) HM
On Wetherell Street at Poplar Street, on the left when traveling west on Wetherell Street.
Herbert Hoover, the first president born west of the Mississippi, spent his formative years in this neighborhood, which is preserved as Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. You may visit his birthplace and other buildings he remembered from his . . . — — Map (db m162574) HM
On North Downey Street. Reported permanently removed.
"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. . . . — — Map (db m162633) HM
President Herbert Hoover died in New York City on October 20, 1964, at the age of 90. Five days later his body was interred on this hillside overlooking his birthplace and presidential library-a symbolic vista of his journey from birth to death. The . . . — — Map (db m162637) HM
The Hoovers bought a home on this site in 1879. During the winter Theodore, Herbert and Mary enjoyed sledding with the Peter Smith youngsters who lived in the green house just south of here. Jesse Hoover died in 1880. Hulda passed away three years . . . — — Map (db m48316) HM
You are viewing 76 acres of partially restored tall grass prairie, planted in 1971. Extending from the historic Miles Farm, at the hilltop on your left, it provides a south western boundary for the historic site. Prior to the . . . — — Map (db m163147) HM
On South Downey Street at Wetherell Street, on the left when traveling south on South Downey Street.
This was the home of Herbert Hoover's aunt and uncle, Agnes and Laban Miles, before they moved in 1878 to Oklahoma Territory. Laban served as agent on the Osage and Kaw Indian Reservation. Hoover, age eight, stayed with them for several months after . . . — — Map (db m162579) HM
On Penn Street at Poplar Street, on the right when traveling west on Penn Street.
Quakers, including the Hoovers, believe strongly in educating both boys and girls equally, and by 1853 West Branch's population was large enough to build this one-room schoolhouse. Because the Quakers had raised much of the funds, they also used it . . . — — Map (db m162554) HM
Near South Downey Street, on the left when traveling south.
Dr. Lewis J. Leech built and moved into this house in 1920. Before that he hosted ice cream socials and Fourth of July parties on the lot. When Dr. Leech died in 1937 at age 91, former President Hoover praised his “long life of usefulness...to . . . — — Map (db m162610) HM
On South Downey Street, on the left when traveling south.
In this meetinghouse, the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, practiced principles of simplicity, honesty, equality, peace, and service to others. These values shaped young Hoover's character and were evident in his humanitarian endeavors and . . . — — Map (db m162636) HM
The early settlers of West Branch had a strong regard for education, and in 1853 they built this school. It was used not only as a school but as a place of worship for the members of the Society of Friends. Originally the building housed all of the . . . — — Map (db m162553) HM
Near Parkside Drive, on the right when traveling south.
As a boy Herbert Hoover visited his relatives at their farm on the top of this hill. Issac and Esther Miles' 100-acre property was typical of the self-sufficient farms that surrounded West Branch. In 1880 they had 73 acres under cultivation with . . . — — Map (db m163148) HM
Near Parkside Drive, on the right when traveling south.
This landscape offers a glimpse of the tallgrass prairie that once covered 85 percent of Iowa. By the time of Herbert Hoover's birth in 1874, farmers were converting much of the state's prairie to cropland. When Hoover was a boy, Isaac Miles raise . . . — — Map (db m163149) HM
On Downey Street at Wetherell Street, on the left when traveling east on Downey Street. Reported permanently removed.
Miss Amanda Garvin purchased this lot in 1870 and by 1872 had this small frame cottage built. She resided here until 1878. Herbert Hoover was familiar with this house and would have passed it often to and from school. The Garvin Cottage is . . . — — Map (db m162640) HM
On Downey Street south of Wetherell Street, on the left when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
Charles Smith moved to West Branch in the 1880’s and pursued his trade as a carpenter and contractor. In 1903 Smith built this retirement dream home for himself and his wife. They celebrated many special occasions here including their 50th wedding . . . — — Map (db m162618) HM
On Downey Street south of Wetherell Street, on the right when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
Dr. L.J. Leech opened a medical practice in West Branch in 1882 and practiced here for the next 55 years. For many years he lived in the house one door to the north. In 1920 he moved to this home and lived here until his death in 1937. At his . . . — — Map (db m162609) HM
On Downey Street, on the right when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
This house was built in 1899 for Hannah Varney. Mrs. Varney lived in the house only about one year, but her daughters Cora and Clara continued to live here until 1915. Although built some thirteen years after Herbert Hoover left West Branch, this . . . — — Map (db m162575) HM
Near East Main Street, 0.1 miles east of South Downey Street, on the right when traveling east.
This site is along the original route of the Herbert Hoover Highway, a 42-mile series of local, state and county roads that run between the foot of Old Capitol in Iowa City and the Cedar County community of Lowden. The Hoover Highway was designated . . . — — Map (db m76108) HM
On Downey Street at Wetherell Street, on the right when traveling north on Downey Street. Reported permanently removed.
Herbert Hoover’s distinguished uncle, Laban Miles, owned this house from 1875-1886, and Herbert would have visited the Miles family here on many occasions. In 1878 Laban Miles moved his family to the Oklahoma Territory where he had been appointed . . . — — Map (db m162578) HM
On Poplar Street, on the right when traveling north.
David Mackey, a local carpenter, built this house between 1868 and 1871. He lived in this home until 1876. Mackey also ran a butcher shop and served as mayor of West Branch in 1879 and postmaster in 1885. Built several years before his birth, this . . . — — Map (db m87736) HM
Hannah Varney built this house in 1899 after divorcing her husband. She lived here with her six children less than a year, moved to Iowa City, and left the house to her daughters Cora and Clara, who lived here until 1915.
Photo . . . — — Map (db m162577) HM
On Wetherell Street at Poplar Street, on the left when traveling west on Wetherell Street. Reported permanently removed.
Many of the commercial buildings in West Branch are included in a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. It commemorates the “Golden Age of American Agriculture” (1895-1916). A variety of shops and services are . . . — — Map (db m162573) HM
Near Interstate 80 at milepost 270,, 1 miles west of Rose Avenue (County Highway X64), on the right when traveling west.
Marker Front: The land on which Iowa City is located was a wilderness when it was selected and surveyed for the capital of the Territory of Iowa in 1839. The cornerstone of the new capitol building was laid by Governor Lucas on July 4, 1840. . . . — — Map (db m224357) HM
Near Interstate 80 at milepost 270,, 1 miles west of Rose Avenue (County Highway X64), on the right when traveling west.
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located in nearby West Branch, honors a distinguished son of Iowa, citizen of the world, and the 31st president of the United States. Established in 1965, the Site’s foundations were laid earlier when in . . . — — Map (db m224358) HM
El Dorado Springs was founded around this spring in 1881 due to the waters medicinal value. The stone above marked its first site 75 ft. to the SE until 1890 when routed to this basin. During repairs in Sept. 1992, this sandstone slab was found . . . — — Map (db m57372) HM
On Grand Avenue at Pine Street, on the left when traveling south on Grand Avenue.
This bell has been donated by the Rock School District of Cedar County Missouri in commemoration of the former Common School Districts which presently comprise the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District.
Cedar County
Barnes • Cedar Springs . . . — — Map (db m57417) HM
Before El Dorado Springs was founded, this stone wash basin sat before the Spring on rock supports. It was used by travelers along the trail. Some pioneer artisan cut it from a stone taken from Grindstone Quarry, located East of the Park Hotel. . . . — — Map (db m57377) HM
On Main Street (Missouri Route 82) 0.3 miles north of U.S. 54, on the left when traveling north.
This wagon represented the State of Missouri in the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Wagon Master, Raymond Williams
Asst. Wagon Master, Jack Nolan
Outriders, Georgia Williams
Dixie Nolan-Peak and . . . — — Map (db m57421) HM
Realizing it was believed by the general public that the spring water had some medicinal value and that people were coming great distances to drink the water for whatever ailments they had, Nathaniel H. and Waldo P. Cruce, brothers, had the . . . — — Map (db m57380) HM
On Spring Street near Main Street (Missouri Route 82), on the left when traveling west.
A sea of grasses and wildflowers - the tallgrass prairie - once covered America's heartland. It is now one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, and many of its inhabitants are struggling to survive.
Thousands of acres of rolling . . . — — Map (db m57202) HM
This monument is dedicated to Roy Bandy and Eddy Wilson for their efforts in providing career and work opportunities for young people in the field of cadastral (land) surveying with the General Land Office and its successor, the Bureau of Land . . . — — Map (db m57381) HM
On South Street (Missouri Route 39) south of Wells Street, on the right when traveling south.
(side 1)
Here where the Ozark Highland borders on the Western Prairie region of Missouri, Cedar County was organized in 1845. The name is for the trees along Cedar Creek. Stockton, the county seat, was platted in 1846 on land given by . . . — — Map (db m72914) HM
On South Street (Missouri Route 39) at Jackson Street, on the right when traveling south on South Street.
In honored memory of those from Cedar County who lost their lives in World War One, World War Two, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. These Heroes live beyond the tomb.
[Roll of Honored Dead]
And to all those who fought valiantly for . . . — — Map (db m79791) WM
During their exploration of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers, Lewis and Clark held councils with Ponca, Omaha, and Sioux Indians inhabiting this region. The council with the Sioux occurred August 28-31, 1804 at Calumet Bluff now the southern . . . — — Map (db m101395) HM
On August 27, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition set up its camp for four days downstream from Calumet Bluff. The explorers came across three American Indian boys who told them of a large Yankton Sioux camp nearby.
Knowing that President . . . — — Map (db m101392) HM
You are within sight and sound of a Midwestern dream come true - the Meridian Highway.
In 1911 a group of Kansans and Nebraskans drafted a plan for a highway paralleling the sixth principal meridian through America's heartland from Canada . . . — — Map (db m101393) HM
This scenic overlook provides a clear view of the valley of the Missouri River,
the longest waterway in North America. To the west is the Gavins Point Dam and
the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. The dam was built to harness the fury of
the . . . — — Map (db m101391) HM
The Missouri, the continent's longest river, figures prominently in the unfolding of America's saga. Flowing nearby in its 2,341 - mile course from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi, the Big Muddy is not only loaded with sediment but . . . — — Map (db m101394) HM
On South Broadway Avenue north of East Franklin Street (State Highway 84), on the right when traveling north.
Much of the early history of Cedar County involves the Indian inhabitants, the Ponca, Omaha, and Sioux. Several prehistoric and historic Indian villages were located in the region. In 1804, Lewis and Clark ascended the Missouri River near here . . . — — Map (db m181311) HM
On West Franklin Street (State Highway 84) east of South Robinson Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
This marker, dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Hartington High School, June 25, 1988, is in honor of two graduates who became governors of Nebraska. Dwight Burney, born in 1892, graduated from Hartington High School in 1910. Burney attended . . . — — Map (db m181317) HM
