Iowa’s early homesteads stood as symbols of grit, hope, and progress. From humble sod houses on the prairie to grand brick manors in bustling farm towns, these family homes were more than just shelters—they were the beating heart of frontier life. They bore witness to the rise of communities, generations of change, and in many cases, slow decline. While some have been lost or altered, their stories echo across the cornfields and small towns, woven into the fabric of the American Midwest. These are twelve homes that once helped shape Iowa’s pioneering spirit.
1. Alexander Brownlie House (1846, Long Grove)
Built by early settler Alexander Brownlie, this limestone farmhouse was among the first permanent structures in Scott County. A true pioneer-era residence, it once stood strong against the winds of Iowa’s open plains. While remnants still exist, much of the home’s original character has faded with time, making it a quiet relic of frontier determination.
2. Cody Homestead (1847, LeClaire)
Constructed by William Cody, grandfather of the legendary Buffalo Bill, this limestone house once embodied the rugged life along the Mississippi. Though preserved as a historic site, key architectural features from its original form have been altered or lost, leaving a partial vision of its pioneer-era strength and frontier heritage.
3. J.V. Banta House (1868, Osceola)
Built when the Banta family moved from Vinton to Osceola, this elegant home served as a base for J.V. Banta’s legal and real estate empire. Its Queen Anne design reflected prosperity, while the family’s philanthropy made it a community landmark. Though preserved for some time, today it survives only in historic records and photographs.
4. Hardin County Sod House (1886, Near Eldora)
Constructed from prairie sod due to limited timber resources, this unassuming structure housed an entire family during the early settlement years. It was a reflection of necessity and resilience. Eventually collapsing in the early 20th century, it remains preserved in photographs and oral history as a classic example of Iowa frontier living.
5. James Jordan House (1850, West Des Moines)
James Jordan’s Federal-style home served as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. Built in 1850, it symbolized courage and resistance in Iowa’s pioneer history. While later preservation efforts saved parts of the structure, the house today lacks much of its original fabric, reminding us how fragile history can be.
6. Theophile Bruguier Cabin (1860, Sioux City)
Fur trader and settler Theophile Bruguier built this single-room log cabin on the banks of the Missouri River. Though small in size, its role in Sioux City’s founding was monumental. The structure has seen changes over time, and the original homestead layout has mostly vanished, leaving the cabin as a lonely witness to the past.
7. George E. Stubbins House (1906, Britt)
Built by merchant and town founder George E. Stubbins, this Stick-style house with Gothic Revival features was one of Britt’s architectural gems. Though once vibrant and bustling, its occupancy dwindled in the late 20th century. Much of the original detailing has been lost, though its story endures in historical registries.
8. Collins House (1860, Davenport)
Initially a farmhouse on the city’s edge, the Collins House later became a senior center before falling into disuse. Its symmetrical brick façade and classical form made it a notable example of mid-19th-century architecture. Though partially preserved, its role as a family home has long since faded.
9. Josiah B. and Sara Moore House (1900, Villisca)
This unassuming house gained tragic fame as the site of the unsolved 1912 axe murders. While its notoriety remains strong, its original role as a family home has been overshadowed. Restoration efforts now preserve it as a museum, but its legacy is forever altered.
10. P.P. Raymond House (1874, Malcom)
P.P. Raymond, a local banker and farmer, built this grand Second Empire-style house upon moving to town. With its mansard roof, turret, and ornate woodwork, it stood out in small-town Iowa. Though the house survives, its original function as a pioneer family residence is now part of the town’s history.
11. Benjamin F. Allen House (1870, Des Moines)
Once dubbed “Terrace Hill” and built by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, this grand Second Empire mansion towered above Des Moines as a symbol of post-Civil War prosperity. Originally a family estate with ornate parlors and sweeping views, its pioneering luxury was unmatched in Iowa at the time. Though the structure still exists and now serves as the Iowa Governor’s Residence, its role as a private family home and its original interior design have long been transformed. The personal imprint of the Allen family is now mostly memory, hidden beneath layers of official use.
12. Daniel Nelson House (1853, Nevada)
Built by early settler Daniel Nelson, this two-story brick home was one of the first permanent residences in Story County. Its architecture blends Greek Revival and vernacular styles common to early Iowa homes. Though once restored and used for educational purposes, its original furnishings and structure have since been altered or removed, leaving only a shell of its pioneer legacy. Today, it survives mainly through interpretive programs and archival photography.