People are also reading…
Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, delivers a presentation on the Underground Railroad at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, delivers a presentation on the Underground Railroad at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Brennan Dolan, cultural resources team lead and tribal liaison for the Iowa Department of Transportation, discusses the “Iowa’s America 250 Scenic Byways Road Trip” series t the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
An audience members snaps a photo of a slide showing the Underground Railroad stations across Iowa on Saturday, April 11, 2026, during a presentation in Honey Creek.
Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, discusses walking from Nebraska City, Neb., to Chicago during a presentation at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Evette Thornburg of Council Bluffs, left, and Ray Carlson of Clarinda, right, tour the Hitchcock House in Lewis with tour guide Michelle Harfield in a 2017 file photo.
The basement of the Hitchcock House in Lewis is shown in a 2008 file photo. The secret room was used to hide freedom seekers when they faced danger at the Underground Railroad station. A cupboard was used to block the doorway to the secret room.
The Todd House in Tabor is shown in a 2017 file photo published in the Shenandoah Valley News.
A close-up of a slide during Barry Jurgensen's presentation on the Underground Railroad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, shows Underground Railroad stations in Southwest Iowa identified in a master's thesis by Cecil Turton.
Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, delivers a presentation on the Underground Railroad at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, discusses the story of John Williamson in Council Bluffs during a presentation at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Check out photos of Hitchcock House and Underground Railroad news clippings
From left, Hitchcock House volunteer Janet Kunze, tour guide Michelle Hartfield, caretaker Sue Rodgers and Rodgers' dog Gracie pose for a portrait outside the national historic landmark in Lewis in May 2017.
Evette Thornburg of Council Bluffs, left, and Ray Carlson of Clarinda, right, tour the Hitchcock House in Lewis with tour guide Michelle Hartfield in May 2017.
Evette Thornburg of Council Bluffs, center, and Ray Carlson of Clarinda, left, tour the Hitchcock House in Lewis with tour guide Michelle Hartfield in May 2017.
Tour guide Michelle Hartfield holds a handwritten note from Rev. George Hitchcock from April 11, 1855 while touring the Hitchcock House in Lewis in May 2017.
One of the upstairs rooms in the Hitchcock House has been renovated and refurbished to period time.
In the basement of the Hitchcock House, this secret room was used to hide slaves when danger came. A cupboard blocked the doorway to the room.
The Rev. George Hitchcock built this house in 1856 when he moved to Lewis and helped hide fugitive slaves during the Underground Railroad. The house is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hitchcock House was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
The front page of the Feb. 15, 2015, edition of The Nonpareil.
The jump page of the Feb. 15, 2015, edition of The Nonpareil.
The third page of the Aug. 26, 2017, edition of the Shenandoah Valley News.
The fourth page of the March 1, 2018, edition of the Clarinda Herald-Journal.
The front page of the Nov. 19, 2008, edition of The Nonpareil.
The jump page of the Nov. 19, 2008, edition of The Nonpareil.
We're celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Join The Nonpareil as we cover America’s semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In commemoration of the country's 250th anniversary, The Sioux City Journal reflects on 162 years of history in America captured within its pages.
The first U.S. forces to set foot on European soil during World War II were part of a Waterloo-based unit. Waterloo was named an American World War II Heritage City.
Railroads began pushing across Iowa in the mid-19th century, part of a broader national movement tied to westward expansion
He started with Matchbox cars. Now his vast collection preserves Davenport’s past, one photo, record and story at a time.
The Nonpareil's history is intertwined with the community. As we reflect on the 250 years of American independence, we want to highlight how this area has helped shape the nation.
Organizers say this year’s Railroad Days will be “bigger and better than ever” as it aligns with major milestones and events.
A flag traveling across the globe as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence made a stop in Iowa Monday morning.
The farm program was created to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.
The proposed activities dovetail with the national celebration and Gov. Kim Reynolds’ task force created to plan for the anniversary.
Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig unveiled the state’s early plans for its celebration of America 250 next year.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order creating a task force to prepare Iowa for next year’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the country.
The president talked extensively about the nation’s semiquincentennial – including his pledge to have Iowa kick off a Great American State Fair next year – and also talked plenty of politics.
Individuals and farm families selected for the award will be recognized at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
