Nishnabotna Ferry House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nishnabotna Ferry House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | W. Minnesota St. Lewis, Iowa |
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| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001676 |
| Added to NRHP | January 26, 2001 |
The Nishnabotna Ferry House is a historic building located in Lewis, Iowa, United States. This 1½-story house was once the home of Samuel Harlow Tefft. He ran a special ferry across the East Nishnabotna River from 1857 to 1859. The house is built in the Greek Revival style, which was popular a long time ago.
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What is the Nishnabotna Ferry House?
The Nishnabotna Ferry House is a frame building, meaning it's made with a wooden structure. It stands as a reminder of a time when rivers were crossed by ferries instead of bridges. This house played a key role in helping people travel across the East Nishnabotna River. It was an important stop for many different groups of travelers.
A Busy River Crossing
The area around the Nishnabotna River was a very active place for travelers. The path that the ferry served was first an old Indian trail. Over time, it became a major route for many different kinds of journeys.
Early Journeys
- Western-bound emigrants: Many people heading west to settle new lands used this route.
- Stagecoach and mail route: Stagecoaches carried passengers and mail, making this a vital communication link.
- Underground Railroad: This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
- Mormon Trail: Members of the Mormon faith used this path during their travels.
- Mormon handcart companies: Some Mormon pioneers even pulled their belongings in handcarts along this route.
The Ferry's Story
The first ferry at this spot started operating in 1850, run by Wm. S. Townsend. A few years later, around 1853 or 1854, a toll bridge was built here. This bridge allowed people to cross the river by paying a small fee. However, by 1856, the bridge was not safe to use anymore.
In 1857, Samuel Harlow Tefft bought the property. He started operating the ferry again because the bridge was broken. It's believed that the Nishnabotna Ferry House was already built when Tefft bought the land. He needed a place to live while running the ferry. In 1859, Cass County built a new, stronger bridge. This meant the ferry was no longer needed.
Life at the Ferry House
Even after the ferry stopped running, Samuel Tefft and his wife stayed in the Lewis community. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis. The Nishnabotna Ferry House continued to be a home for many different families. People lived in the house until the mid-1970s. It has seen many changes in the area over the years.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its important history, the Nishnabotna Ferry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it is recognized as a special building that is important to the history of the United States. It helps us remember the early days of travel and settlement in Iowa.
