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Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker

Visit the birthplace of the world-famous 'Delicious' apple at this historical marker in Winterset, Iowa, honoring Jesse Hiatt's accidental discovery.

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Commemorating the birthplace of the 'Delicious' apple in Winterset, Iowa, this historical marker honors Jesse Hiatt, who discovered the variety in the 1870s. Originally named 'Hawkeye,' it was later renamed and popularized as the 'Delicious' apple, becoming a beloved fruit worldwide.

A brief summary to Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker

  • Winterset, Iowa, 50273, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in October for a celebration of local heritage and scenery.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of other attractions in Winterset City Park, including the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge and Clark Tower.
  • Explore the nearby John Wayne Birthplace & Museum to learn about another famous figure from Winterset.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker is located in Winterset City Park, at the corner of 9th Street and South Street. From the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, head south on S 9th St towards City Park. The marker is located on the east side of the park, a short walk from the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker using public transport, take a Greyhound bus to Des Moines, Iowa. From Des Moines, take the DART bus (Route 3) to the Downtown Transit Center. Transfer to a local bus heading toward Winterset (check schedules as they may vary). After reaching Winterset, it is approximately a 0.5 mile walk to the Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker located near the intersection of E Jefferson St and S 1st Ave. Bus fare from Des Moines to Winterset is approximately $5-$10.

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Discover more about Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker

The Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker in Winterset, Iowa, marks the spot where a significant chapter in agricultural history began. Here, in Madison County, Jesse Hiatt discovered a new variety of apple in his orchard in the 1870s. Hiatt named it the 'Hawkeye', in honor of his home state. In 1894, Stark Brothers Nursery acquired the rights to propagate Hiatt's apple, renaming it the 'Delicious' apple. This apple quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most well-known and widely grown apple varieties in the world. The original 'Delicious' apple tree was unfortunately killed in the Armistice Day freeze of 1940, which devastated many apple orchards in Iowa. The marker itself is located in Winterset's City Park, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the region's agricultural heritage. The park also features other attractions, such as the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge and Clark Tower. The marker serves as a reminder of Iowa's contribution to American agriculture and the story of an accidental discovery that changed the world of apples.

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