Pilgrim Chapter
Iowa City, Iowa
Pilgrim Chapter Historic Markers
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Pilgrim Chapter has marked many historical sites in the eastern Iowa area since 1898.

blackstone Sir William Blackstone: Located in the Iowa City Courthouse, this portrait was marked by Pilgrim Chapter in 1936. Sir William Blackstone authored one of the most influential law books in the history of English Law: Commentaries of the Laws of England. The portrait was painted by Isaac A. Weatherby, whose daughter, Carrie, was a member of Pilgrim Chapter. This painting was recently refurbished and rededicated at the Court House 100th anniversary celebration in 1999.
Stone Top ViewOakland 1
 Oakland 2In Memory of 5-year-old Cordelia Swan: Cordelia Swan was the 5-year-old daughter of Chauncey Swan, who was one of the founders of Iowa City. Cordelia, who died September 19, 1839, is believed to be the first child of settlers to die in Iowa City. Pilgrim Chapter restored, marked, and rededicated this marker on May 30, 1935.
Swan CircleSwan Plaque Chauncey Swan Circle: In honor of Chauncey Swan, who selected the site for Iowa City, this marker is a bronze tablet on a boulder and was presented to Iowa City on July 4, 1939, in honor of Iowa City's Centennial Celebration. It has been rededicated several times, and happily, survived the flood of 1993.
Limestone The Old Limestone Shaft: This marker is marked by both the State Society and Pilgrim Chapter. This was the boundary stone that located Iowa City as the Capitol of Iowa Territory on May 4, 1839. Pilgrim Chapter marked the stone on May 4, 1935.
Iowa Room Iowa Room in Memorial Continental Hall, Washington, DC: Pilgrim Chapter marked the Iowa Room, now part of the DAR Museum.
Birthplace of President Herbert Hoover: Marked by Pilgrim Chapter in August, 1929, this bronze plaque mounted on a native boulder is located on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover historic site in West Branch, near the Visitor Center. The site was marked in to honor the first President born west of the Mississippi, and was placed during his term in office.
Site of the Mormon Handcart Brigade Camp: This marker was placed by the Iowa Society DAR in 1936, with members of Pilgrim Chapter present. In 1856, this site was the end of the railroad line, so the Mormon immigrants traveled from here to Salt Lake City by foot. While at this site, the immigrants built handcarts out of the native woods. With these carts, adults could pull a 600-700 pound load and cover about 15 miles per day. This marker has recently been moved into S.T. Morrison Park on Fifth Street in Coralville, near the entrance and pond. The marker was rededicated after it was moved in 1998 by Nathaniel Fellows Chapter.
Other Markers - Not Pictured

Underground Railroad Station: In Springdale, Iowa, William Maxon's home was a "Station" to hide escaping slaves. This site was marked in 1934 by Pilgrim Chapter.

Bronze marker placed on the grave of our Real Daughter, Eliza Melvin Shrader.

Bronze tablet from the battleship "Maine," sunk in Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898 -presented to the State Historical Society.
Approval Date: February 13, 2004 Last Revised: April 20, 2008
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