Bergmann Mansion

This historic home was built in 1883 by attorney Jefferson Polk (1831-1907), who was one of the city's leading figures in the late 19th century. Originally known as Herndon Hall, it is now called the Bergmann Mansion and houses a plastic surgery practice. It is an excellent example of Queen Anne architecture. Its design includes a high-pitched roof, gables and dormers, and windows topped with pediments. A panel with the words "A.D. Herndon Hall 1883" is located prominently on the front facade. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Jefferson Polk arrived in Des Moines from Kentucky in 1855. The were only 1,000 residents at the time and there was little business or manufacturing activity. Over the course of his career, Polk practiced in three partnerships and established a life insurance company. He also developed a privately owned public transportation (railway) company, which was one of several in Des Moines.

The competition between the companies created an inefficient system. To remedy the situation, Polk bought four competitors in 1889, standardized the gauge of the rail lines, and electrified the system. He also installed mail drops in every street so mail could be delivered to the post office. In 1889 Polk established the Inter-Urban Railway Co. to connect Des Moines to nearby towns. As a result, Des Moines became a rail hub which spurred the city's economic growth. Also in 1889, Polk proposed that Des Moines annex the neighboring suburbs and eight were incorporated in the next decade. He died in 1907.

Polk named the house after his wife, Julia Herndon. The family owned it until 1912 when the Diocese of Des Moines acquired it to be used as the bishop's residence. The Diocese sold the house in 1948 to the American Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, which owned it until 1972. When the current owner bought it is unclear.

Klingensmith, Samuel. "Herndon Hall." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. July 27, 1977. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/b0d7cdf6-94df-460a-ba7b-c626a3cba087.