Hello friends and Hivians. I hope all is well. My long weekend has come to an end. I got out some during it and it was great. Sunday I headed to go fishing but I got a little side tracked when I seen this sign above.
Above is an original river crossing ferry boat house that would have been built around 1850 in Lewis, Iowa. Believe it this house is a much upgrade from log cabins which were still in use at the time. William Townsend lived here and was the one that operated the ferry. To the left of the property back than only 50 yards away would have been the river. The river was straightened later on in the 1920's. This made the river much more narrow.
In 1853 a toll bridge was constructed but it was damaged a few years later probably by a flood. This led to a cable ferry being purchased and was used to cross the Nishnabotna River. It was short lived as a new bridge was started to be constructed around 1859. Though the old cable ferry is gone but it would have looked familiar to one displayed above.
This area was part of the Mormon trail and crossing the river was a priority. The trail started near Illinois and passed through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and ended in Salt Lake City, Utah. I wonder how many wagons, people, supplies and live stock would have crossed the river here. On a side note where I live in Council Bluffs, Iowa this trail basically passed close to my back yard. Along with some other historic note worthy trails that intersected each other.
Also on this property is an old shed. The floor of it is just dirt and it really has the same period feel to it as everything else. There was not any information on the shed but I found it cool.
This place could have been lost in history if it weren't for a farming married couple. It's great that they had a passion for local history and seen this place for what it once was. If not for their time, dedication and work on this property this wouldn't be here to see today.
I give you a look at the river today which is located a short drive away from the property. I was on a narrow bridge that connects a dirt road. How old was the bridge? I really don't know but I would guess it's possibly over 70 years old. I just wonder how many bridges exactly were built in this area 🤔
Just up the road there is another house but with a much different history. This property is called the Hitchcock House after Reverend George B. Hitchcock. The home was built in 1856 using locally resourced sandstone, limestone, walnut & oak. It's beautiful inside and out. They have tours of this property quite often but I didn't do. After finding out more about it exploring it I wish I would have.
This property is a site of the under ground railroad. At the time some slaves from southern states that escaped their owners seeked refuge on this property. I can imagine the journey to get here was very difficult. The fear of getting caught must have heavily weighed on their minds. I'm sure a great sense of accomplishment and happiness came over them when they arrived at their final stop.
I have not visited a house or even a part of the network of the underground railroad. I've only read books and learned about in school. Being here today really puts things into perspective.
The open cellar doors above would have been where these freedom seekers would have entered the property when they initially arrived. So almost 170 years later I take the same path walking down the same stairs they would have. It's a feeling you just can't experience reading about it, you have to do it!
The property is much in its original condition. I wish I could have got some clear pictures of the inside through the windows. It really is beautiful inside filled with time period furniture and artifacts. Again I should have looked into the tour. I'll probably be back to go on it.
The cellar is definitely a sight to see. I tell you the feeling down there feels like you are brought back in time. I didn't stay in there long but did get a good look around. I did notice another area but it was dark. Yes I could have turned my phone light on and investigated further but I decided not to. Again maybe with a group of people (tour) that would have made it easier.
I'm really glad that the sign I seen initially sparked my interest. The town of Lewis is a really small town and I'm sure it's resident are proud to have a National Historic Landmark in the Hitchcock House. It's also registered as a site in the National Park Service Network to Freedom. All special things thanks to one guy who put his neck on the line to help others when not many others would have.
Nearby this property but on another was this great big barn. I couldn't resist to take a picture of it and share it. Not far from the barn was another sign, not one giving direction but one to take a stroll walking. I was wearing shorts today so I didn't attempt to take it on. I wish I would have at least wore jeans today because my fishing adventure later was not all that fruitful.
So other than the tour I have another reason to re-visit. How could I not walk this trail. I can imagine freedom seekers and early pioneers would have walked or traveled the same ground so many years ago. That alone makes it worth it in my opinion.
That's all I have for you today. Thanks for coming this far on my little traveling adventure. Take care, stay safe and have a great rest of your week. Until next time!
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