West Des Moines Historical Society

The West Des Moines Historical Society is a 501(c)3 volunteer-based organization dedicated to community enrichment through education, preservation, and celebration of the history and the heritage of the greater West Des Moines area and its environs. WDMHS was formed in 1970, and in 1978 purchased the historic home of James C. Jordan, a cattle farmer from Virginia and one of Iowas most influential early settlers. The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design at 2001 Fuller Road, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines. During the antebellum period, fugitive slaves were hidden in the house, as it was a designated stopover on the secret Underground Railroad. Jordan, a staunch abolitionist, was regarded as the chief conductor for Polk County. John Brown stayed at least twice at Jordan House, once when he was leading a group of 12 slaves to freedom. In addition to managing his large cattle operation, Jordan became an influential business and civic leader. He organized the State Bank of Des Moines, served on the Polk Country Board of Supervisors and was elected to both the Iowa Senate and the House of Representatives. During his tenure in the legislature, Jordan led the drive to relocate Iowas State Capitol from Iowa City to Des Moines. Jordan was also instrumental in bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area. He platted out Valley Junction, thereby founding what is today West Des Moines, and raised $70,000 in his successful effort to establish a railhead on that location. The house today serves both as a museum for West Des Moines and as the office of West Des Moines Historical Society. The sixteen period rooms serve as a fitting backdrop of displaying the many antique treasures gathered from the rich heritage of West Des Moines. Visitors will also be interested in both the Underground Railroad Exhibit and the many artifacts from the regular railroad which played an important role in the early years of West Des Moines. Our other property is the Bennett School, located at 4001 Fuller Avenue. Built in 1926 or 27 the Bennett School was one of the last one room schools to be built in West Des Moines and was in use until at least 1941. It was originally located on an acre of ground donated by the Bennett family at the southwest corner of what is now known as Fuller Road and 50th Street. The school was eventually sold, remodeled slightly, and used as a private home for a number of years before being donated to the West Des Moines Historical Society by its final owners. Through the generosity of the community, a restoration project was begun in 1997 which returned the school to its former appearance.

We support education and preservation through tours and activities at the Jordan House and Bennett School. Tours are offered both at weekly Open Houses and during scheduled groups of schoolchildren, civic groups, history lovers and those with an interest in Victorian and early Iowa life.