Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Iowa
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa, commemorates the life and legacy of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States. The site encompasses over 186 acres and includes Hoover's birthplace cottage, the House of the Maples where he lived as a child, a blacksmith shop reminiscent of his father's, the first West Branch schoolhouse, and the Quaker meetinghouse attended by his family. The park also hosts the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, which preserves his presidential papers and memorabilia. Visitors can explore the grounds where Hoover spent his early years before becoming a successful mining engineer, humanitarian, and president. The site also features a tallgrass prairie developed after Hoover's death, symbolizing his connection to the Iowa landscape. Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover are buried here beneath a monument designed by William Wagner. The site offers a comprehensive look at Hoover's humble beginnings, his values rooted in community and service, and his impact on American history.
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Tip: Visit during spring through fall for the best weather and to experience the tallgrass prairie in bloom. Reserve picnic shelters or guided tours ahead of time through the National Park Service website. The visitor center and museum provide informative exhibits and the NPS app enhances the experience with detailed site information. Discounts may be available for seniors, military, and groups. Allow sufficient time to explore both the historic buildings and natural areas.
Interesting facts
- •Herbert Hoover was orphaned by age nine yet rose to become the 31st President of the United States.
- •The birthplace cottage was originally built in 1871 with timber cut in a sawmill in Muscatine, Iowa.
- •The site includes a reconstructed blacksmith shop similar to the one owned by Hoover's father.
- •Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover are buried at the site under a monument designed by William Wagner.
- •An 81-acre tallgrass prairie was restored on the site after Hoover's death, representing the native Iowa landscape.
History
Herbert Hoover was born in 1874 in a small two-room cottage in West Branch, Iowa, where he lived until age eleven.
His father was a successful blacksmith before switching careers to run a farm implement store.
After the deaths of his parents in the early 1880s, Hoover was raised by relatives outside Iowa.
The birthplace cottage became a tourist attraction after Hoover's presidential nomination in 1928.
The site was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and expanded to include multiple buildings and a presidential library.
Over time, the park has preserved Hoover's early life environment and commemorated his public service career.
Place Guide
Birthplace Cottage1871
The small two-room cottage built in 1871 where Herbert Hoover was born and spent his early childhood. It reflects the modest living conditions of the Hoover family and is a central historical attraction.
House of the Maplescirca 1879
A two-story frame house where the Hoover family moved in 1879. It represents Hoover's childhood home during his formative years before he was orphaned.
Blacksmith Shop
A reconstructed blacksmith shop similar to the one operated by Hoover's father, Jesse Hoover. It illustrates the family's trade and early community life.
West Branch Schoolhouse1853
The first schoolhouse in West Branch dating back to 1853, where Hoover may have attended classes as a child.
Friends Meetinghouse
The Quaker meetinghouse where the Hoover family worshiped, reflecting their religious background and community values.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum1960s
Opened in the 1960s, this facility houses Hoover's presidential papers, memorabilia, and exhibits about his life and career.
Presidential Gravesite Monument
The burial place of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover, marked by a monument designed by William Wagner, symbolizing their legacy.
Tallgrass PrairiePost-1960s
An 81-acre restored tallgrass prairie developed after Hoover's death, representing the native Iowa ecosystem and honoring his connection to the land.
Contact
Phone: (319) 643-2541
