Jordan House, Underground Railroad station in West Des Moines, United States.
Jordan House is a two-story residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and built in both Gothic and Italianate styles. It has sixteen rooms furnished in the style of the 1800s, along with concealed spaces that form part of its layout.
James Jordan started building the house in 1850 and over the following decades turned it into an active center of resistance against slavery in Iowa. The Jordan family helped many enslaved people make their way north to freedom.
The Jordan House was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, the secret network that helped enslaved people escape to the North. Visitors can still see the hidden spaces where people sheltered during their journey to freedom.
The house is open for guided tours on select days, and booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot. Tours cover all the rooms in the building, including the concealed areas, so comfortable footwear is a good idea.
The abolitionist John Brown took shelter here on more than one occasion while carrying out his work in Iowa. This makes the house a direct link to one of the most recognized figures in the American antislavery movement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
