Reverend George B. Hitchcock House facts for kids
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Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | 63788 567th Lane in Cass County, near Lewis, Iowa |
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| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | George B. Hitchcock |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000500 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 09, 1977 |
| Designated NHL | February 17, 2006 |
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House is a special old house in Cass County, Iowa, near a town called Lewis. It was built in 1856 by a minister named George B. Hitchcock. This house was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The house has hidden features that show it was used for this important work. In 2006, it was named a National Historic Landmark. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its history.
What is the Hitchcock House?
The Hitchcock House is located west of Lewis, Iowa. It sits on a hill overlooking the East Nishnabotna River. The house is two stories tall. It was built using strong, locally found sandstone. The walls are very thick, about 21 inches (53 cm) wide. Inside, the wooden beams are large and hand-cut.
The house looks like a simple, old-fashioned home from the Federal period. But it has some unusual features. There is a secret room in the basement. Its entrance was likely hidden by a fake cabinet. Another basement room has a fireplace for cooking. This room could be reached from outside or by stairs from above. People believe these secret rooms were used to hide and help people escaping slavery.
Who was George B. Hitchcock?
The minister George B. Hitchcock (1812–1872) built this house around 1855. He lived there from 1856 to 1865. When the house was built, it was near two main trails. These trails led to river crossings.
Hitchcock was part of the abolitionist movement. Abolitionists worked to end slavery. He was deeply involved with the Underground Railroad. He offered a safe place for people escaping slavery. He helped them on their journey to freedom.
The House Today
After Hitchcock left, the property was used as a farm until 1966. Then, the state bought it. In the 1980s, the house was carefully restored. Now, the county manages it as a historic house museum. The museum teaches visitors about the Hitchcock family and the important history of the Underground Railroad.
See also
