Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, where the former president was born, inspired him to dedicate his life to serving the public good by being kind and generous. Herbert Hoover was a prime example of the self-made man and the philosophy of individualism. By the time he was 40, his skill as a mining engineer had made him rich. Hoover began his lifelong career of public service after being brought up in the humane and charitable Quaker ways.

The future president was created in 1874 in a modest two-room home. The Birthplace Cottage is the focal point of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site today, along with other historic structures connected to his early years in West Branch. The location is close to West Branch's downtown historic area. Several West Branch structures that would have been there when Hoover was a youngster may be seen at the National Historic Site. The 1853 schoolhouse was relocated to a place close to its original site. The Friends Meetinghouse where Hoover attended church has also been relocated to the area.

The blacksmith shop owned by Jesse Hoover has been reconstructed. It is free to visit these four structures. Visit the graveyard that is visible from the cottage. A tallgrass prairie is located next to the burial; it was created to approximate the environment that would have been familiar to the first West Branch inhabitants.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Location: 110 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358, US
Phone: +1 319-643-2541
Website: https://www.nps.gov/heho/