Jordan House: A Journey Through Iowa's History

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.