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Jordan House: A Journey Through Iowa's History

Discover West Des Moines' oldest home, a Victorian masterpiece and Underground Railroad stop, offering a glimpse into Iowa's abolitionist past.

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The Jordan House in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion that served as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Built in 1850 by abolitionist James C. Jordan, the house offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and the courageous efforts to aid freedom seekers. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits dedicated to the Underground Railroad.

A brief summary to Jordan House

Local tips

  • Check the West Des Moines Historical Society's website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and special events.
  • Purchase tickets in advance online to guarantee your spot on a guided tour, as tour sizes are limited.
  • Allow at least 75 minutes for a comprehensive guided tour of the Jordan House.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Jordan House is located at 2001 Fuller Road in West Des Moines. From I-35, take the Mills Civic Parkway exit and head east. Continue east on Fuller Road. On-site parking is available free of charge.

  • Public Transport

    The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) provides bus service to West Des Moines. Check DART's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus routes serve the general area of West Des Moines, with stops within a reasonable walking distance of the Jordan House. A single ride fare is typically around $1.75.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Fuller Road and South 19th Street, the Jordan House is easily accessible on foot. Follow Fuller Road to 2001 Fuller Road. The entrance will be on your right.

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Discover more about Jordan House

Step back in time at the Jordan House, a stately Victorian home in West Des Moines, Iowa, built in 1850 by James C. Jordan, a prominent cattle farmer and staunch abolitionist. This sixteen-room mansion, designed in the Italianate Gothic style, is more than just a beautiful building; it's a living testament to Iowa's role in the Underground Railroad and the lives of those who fought for freedom. James Jordan's commitment to abolitionism transformed his home into a safe haven for freedom seekers. The house, one of the oldest structures in Polk County, provided refuge in its fields, barns, and outbuildings. The Jordan House is recognized as the only Central Iowa stop on the Underground Railroad open to the public. A tour through the Jordan House offers an immersive experience, with each of the sixteen rooms meticulously furnished with period-authentic pieces. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the Underground Railroad, gaining insight into the perilous journeys and the courage of those who sought liberation. The house also reflects the broader history of West Des Moines, displaying antique treasures and artifacts from the region's past. The Jordan House remained in the Jordan family until 1947 and was later acquired by the West Des Moines Historical Society in 1978, which restored it to its present state as a period museum. Today, the Jordan House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

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