B.J. Palmer House

The B.J. Palmer House is a Second Empire mansion in Davenport featuring a distinctive mansard roof and ornate exterior detailing throughout its structure. A prominent feature is the 140-foot enclosed porch added during the early 1920s, which wraps around the residence and creates a sheltered outdoor space.

The building was constructed in 1874 by Louis C. Dessaint, a lumber mill owner, as a private residence. Its significance shifted when acquired in 1912 by a chiropractic pioneer who transformed the property and helped establish it as a historic landmark.

The house bears the name of its most influential resident, a pioneering figure in the chiropractic field who shaped the building's significance. The interior spaces reflect personal taste through handpicked materials sourced from trees that once grew on the property itself.

The residence sits on Brady Street Hill within the Palmer College of Chiropractic campus and is easily reached from main streets in the area. The site earned National Register status in 1984 and visitors should check ahead about access options, as entry typically requires arrangement with the college or historical society.

The property once featured extensive gardens with a greenhouse, an artificial waterfall, and a tropical fish pond on its grounds. These garden areas included a peculiar small chapel that was allegedly claimed to be the world's smallest at the time.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: Second Empire style

GPS coordinates: 41.52611,-90.57472

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44