Herbert Hoover was born in this two-room cottage in 1874.
NPS Photo
The antique furnishings of the Birthplace Cottage commemorate the simple lifestyle of the young Hoover family.
Birthplace Cottage
Herbert Hoover, the first President born west of the Mississippi River, was born in a small two-room cottage on August 10, 1874.
Herbert's father Jesse and grandfather Eli Hoover built the cottage in 1871. The Hoover family lived in it until 1879.
The little house was near the center of the small but growing town of West Branch. Jesse and his wife Hulda hosted family gatherings and church group meetings here.
In the 1930's, President and Mrs. Hoover purchased and restored the cottage, which Hoover said was "physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life."
The Birthplace Cottage may be entered only through the front door. There are three entrance steps to the front door. An audio station is available inside the front door. A photograph book showing the interior is available both at the cottage and the Visitor Center information desk.
A ramp allows visitors access to the back porch where the interior of the cottage may be viewed.
Take a Virtual Tour
This is a stop on the virtual tour of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
Did You Know?
Herbert Hoover's vice president Charles Curtis was of almost half American Indian ancestry? Curtis’ mother was one quarter Kaw, one quarter Pottawatomie and one quarter Osage.
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