Poplar Street

Historic homes line south Poplar Street in the historic site.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

West Branch, Iowa

Significance:

Part of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

West Branch was barely a settlement in 1852 when Baltimore native Aaron Baker came here to claim the free land he'd received from the United States government for his service in the Mexican War. He promptly sold all 160 acres of it for about a dollar apiece.

Neighborhood Development Preserved

By the time John Wetherell purchased five acres in 1869, the price of land had risen considerably. The new real estate developer set about subdividing his property into town lots, and also decided to name a nearby street after himself. The four houses on this block of Poplar Street are the same the stood here when Herbert Hoover was a child. Their preservation helps remind us of the growing community President Hoover called home.

• Historic Homes on Poplar Street

  
  

  John Wetherell, the new real estate developer set about subdividing his property into town lots, including along South Poplar Street.

  Credit / Author:

  NPS

  Date created:

  06/22/2010

  Audio Transcript

  West Branch was barely a settlement in 1852 when Baltimore native Aaron Baker came here to claim the free land he'd received from the United States government for his service in the Mexican War. He promptly sold all 160 acres of it for about a dollar apiece. By the time John Wetherell purchased five acres in 1869, the price of land had risen considerably. The new real estate developer set about subdividing his property into town lots, and also decided to name a nearby street after himself. As you look around, you might be surprised to learn that Herbert Hoover didn't live in one of these larger homes. By comparison, his home measured only 14 x 20 feet in size. You will get the chance to go inside the cottage where America's 31st President was born; however, the homes here on Poplar Street are not open to the public and are used as offices or private residences.