Jordan House (West Des Moines, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jordan House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2251 Fuller Rd. West Des Moines, Iowa |
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| NRHP reference No. | 73000738 |
| Added to NRHP | December 10, 1973 |
The Jordan House is a really old and important building in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was built by a man named James C. Jordan. He was an abolitionist, which means he was against slavery and worked to end it. His house was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad in Iowa. This was a network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Jordan House has been recognized as a special historic place since 1973. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Meet James C. Jordan
James C. Jordan was a cattle farmer who came from Virginia (an area now in West Virginia). He settled in central Iowa in 1846. He was a very busy and important person in his community.
Jordan's Community Work
As a businessman, James Jordan helped start the State Bank of Des Moines. He also played a big part in bringing the railroad to Des Moines. He planned out a town called Valley Junction. He even raised a lot of money, $70,000, to build a railhead there. This area is now known as West Des Moines.
James Jordan was also a leader in his community. He served on the Polk County Board of Supervisors. He was elected to both the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives. While working in the state government, he helped move the state capital from Iowa City to Des Moines.
Jordan's Family Life
James Jordan was married twice. He and his first wife, Melinda, had six children. After Melinda passed away, he married Cynthia Adams. Together, their family grew to include eleven children.
History of the Jordan House
James Jordan first lived in a simple lean-to tent when he arrived in Polk County. He built a log cabin in 1848. Just two years later, in 1850, construction began on the house you see today.
Building the House
When the basement of the new house was finished, the family moved in. It had a kitchen and a combined bed and sitting room. In 1851, the first part of the upper floors was completed. This part of the house was a two-story white frame building. It had a fancy entrance and two big rooms on the first floor. A beautiful walnut staircase led to two large bedrooms upstairs. The kitchen stayed in the basement.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
Before the American Civil War began, the Jordan House became a secret station on the Underground Railroad. James Jordan was a strong abolitionist. He was known as the main "conductor" in Polk County. He helped guide many enslaved people to freedom.
The famous abolitionist John Brown stayed at the Jordan House at least two times. On one of those visits, he was leading 12 enslaved people to freedom. The house was also a place where other travelers would stop on their way to the American West. It was also a popular meeting spot for local business people and politicians.
Expanding the House
The Jordan House was made bigger in 1870. This addition created space for another parlor, a dining room, a library, and a new kitchen. Porches were added to the east and south sides of the house. A second entrance was also built, with another black walnut staircase. This led to six more bedrooms on the second floor.
From Home to Museum
The Jordan family lived in the house until 1947. Then, it was sold to the Church of the Nazarene. They used the house as part of their summer campground. In 1978, the West Des Moines Historical Society bought the house. They carefully restored it to look like it did in the past. Today, the Jordan House is a museum. Visitors can learn about its history and the brave people who lived there.
