Herbert Hoover called his humble birthplace "physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life."Photo: NPS Photo/John Eicher
Orphaned at age nine, Herbert Hoover left West Branch never to live here again. In later years, he returned to his humble birthplace to celebrate his long career of public service. A memorial landscape remains to tell his story: how community, hard work, honesty, and usefulness to others opened a world of opportunity— and the presidency of the United States— to a child of simple beginnings.
Two simple marble slabs mark the graves of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.Photo: NPS Photo/Steven LonerganExhibit galleries and archival collections tell of the triumphs and tragedies of Hoover’s long career in public service.Photo: NARA/Lynn SmithHerbert Hoover's father Jesse owned a blacksmith shop similar to the one at Herbert Hoover NHS.Photo: NPS Photo/John TobiasonMany rural Midwestern towns like West Branch placed a high value on education.Photo: NPS Photo/John TobiasonThe plainly appointed Friends Meetinghouse and the practices within express Quaker values of peace, simplicity, integrity, and service to others.Photo: NPS Photo/John TobiasonThe people of Belgium gave Herbert Hoover the statue "Isis, Goddess of Life" in gratitude for his famine relief efforts on their behalf during the First World War.Photo: NPS Photo/John Tobiason
Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.
