"BIRTHPLACE OF AN UNCOMMON MAN FOR UNCOMMON TIMES" West Branch by mtncorg

West Branch Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 17 photos

The Hoover gravesite at West Branch - West Branch

Ten miles east of the university town of Iowa City, just off I-80, is
the little town of West Branch. A little over 2100 people call this home.
Back in 1874, when Herbert Hoover was born, there were only
about 350 people living here. Hoover's father, Jesse, was a blacksmith who died when
Herbert was only six, forcing his mother, Hulda, to raise her three
children alone. Four years later, she died from complications escalating
from a common cold and the children were orphaned. Herbert lived for a
short time with an uncle on a nearby farm before, at age 11, being sent
to live with Hulda's brother, Dr Henry John Minthorn, and his family in
Newberg, Oregon where Minthorn was superintendent at the Friends Pacific Academy – a Quaker school, now George Fox University.

From these humble beginnings on the plains of Iowa, Herbert Hoover went on to a very long adventurous career taking him far beyond the little community of West Branch. Stanford University graduate (geology), mining engineer, millionaire by age 40 and then a forty year career in public service including one term as the 31st President of the United States from 1929-1932. He is the perfect example of a self-made man and it was from this little Iowan town where his journey began.

Also found here is the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum with archives and exhibits on the former President’s life. www.hoover.nara.gov

Intro Written Oct 6, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Vermont marble grave slabs of Herbert and wife Lou - West Branch

GRAVESITE Things to Do (5)

Herbert Hoover’s 90 year-life ended on 20 October 1964. He is buried here under Vermont marble with his wife, Lou (she... more travel advice

The Statue of Isis - gratitude of Belgium - West Branch

STATUE OF ISIS Things to Do (5)

The Goddess of Life, this statue was a gift to Hoover from the children and citizens of Belgium in gratitude for his... more travel advice

Friends Meetinghouse in West Branch - West Branch

FRIENDS MEETINGHOUSE Things to Do (5)

Hoover was born into a Quaker family – one that helped to settle West Branch. The Quakers, or Religious Society of... more travel advice

Jesse Hoover's blacksmith shop - West Branch

BLACKSMITH SHOP Things to Do (5)

Across from the Birthplace Cottage is a reconstruction of Herbert Hoover’s father, Jesse Hoover’s blacksmith shop... more travel advice

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
Stephen-KarenConn Apr 24, 2007 at 2:55 PM

Thanks for an interesting and informative page. I'll be passing through West Branch tomorrowl Last time I was there - about 10 years ago - I didn't take any pictures. This time I'll have my digital camera & VT to motivate me.
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Jan 9, 2007 at 11:53 AM

More very helpful, interesting information. Thanks ever so much.
Reply
- Report abuse
Jonathan_C Oct 17, 2004 at 7:46 AM

Poor old HH was unjustly cricified for being president when the mistakes made in the previous decade finally came home to roost. His main crime was an aloof demeanor. Thanks for sharing this little known site.