John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 through Iowa
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Description
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 Iowa Freedom Trail Project This tour guides you across Iowa on the Underground Railroad.
1. Civil Bend
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number One Iowa Freedom Trail Project
2. Reverend John Todd House
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Two Iowa Freedom Trail Project
3. Charles and Sylvia Tolles Cabin
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 Stop Number Three Iowa Freedom Trail Project
4. Reverend George B. Hitchcock House, Underground Railroad in Iowa
Minister George B. Hitchcock built this house around 1855 and resided here from 1856 to 1865. Hitchcock is best-known today for his opposition to slavery and his participation in the Underground Railroad, providing sanctuary for slaves who were trying to reach Canada or at least escape far from Missouri and other slave states.
5. Grove City House
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Five Iowa Freedom Trail Project
6. Dalmanutha
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Six Iowa Freedom Project
7. Jonathan M. Murray Farm
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Seven Iowa Freedom Trail Project
8. Jordan House
The Jordan House was the home of businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist James Jordan. Built in the 1850s and expanded in 1870, the home features Italian, Gothic, and Classical motifs. Jordan played an integral in Des Moines' economic development and he was also a staunch abolitionist. The house served as a key stop in the Underground Railroad and fellow abolitionist John Brown stayed there at least on two occasions. In 1973, the Jordan House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The West Des Moines Historical Society manages the house as well as another nearby historic structure, the Bennett School.
9. Brian Hawley Farm
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Nine Iowa Freedom Trail Project
10. Cornwall Dickinson Farm
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Ten Iowa Freedom Trail Project
11. The Josiah Grinnell House
Minister and abolitionist Josiah B. Grinnell founded the city that now bears his name. His home was originally located here, just across from Grinnell's Central Park. Reverend Grinnell assisted enslaved persons by allowing them to stay in his cellar and providing food and supplies. The community soon earned a reputation as home to abolitionists and others who opposed slavery and were willing to assist and defend formerly enslaved persons as they traveled from the South to Canada or other places where they might be in less danger from slave catchers. Grinnell's home was located here until 1914, when part of the home was moved to this location on Broad Street. The home was not well-preserved and the structure was demolished in 1984.
12. Draper B. Reynolds Farm
Iowa and the Underground Railroad John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Twelve Iowa Freedom Trail Project
13. Former Home of Dr. Jesse Bowen (John Brown in Iowa City)
This was the location of the home of Jesse Bowen, an influential physician and an outspoken opponent of slavery. Bowen was a leading member of the Whig Party in Indiana and came to Iowa in 1840. Bowen remained active in politics and was part of the vanguard who created the Republican Party in opposition to the disproportionate power of Southern planters and the extension of slavery in the West. Prior to the Civil War, Bowen served in the Iowa Senate and was appointed Adjutant General. At the age of 60, Bowen resigned his public office to serve as a civilian employee of the Union Army. Bowen was also a strong supporter of John Brown and met with Brown and his supporters clandestinely at this home while he was in Iowa City meeting with fellow anti-slavery men. Bowen's home was not preserved and the location is now home to a wood frame home that is private property.
14. William Maxon House
The Underground Railroad and Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Fourteen Iowa Freedom Trail Project
15. Keith's Mill
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Fifteen Iowa Freedom Trail Project
16. Final Stop John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 in Iowa
The Underground Railroad in Iowa John Brown Freedom Trail 1859 - Stop Number Sixteen Iowa Freedom Trail Project
