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Preface * * *|
DAR Chapters located throughout the state have marked sites in their home communities in recognition of times, events and people to be remembered. The plain hard work -- the conflict -- the dangers -- the joys and the tragedies of bringing forth civilization in the wilderness are all represented here.While some Iowa DAR markers have been referred to in other books, this is the first time that a survey has been made and printed of all known sites. No doubt some have been missed -- particularly older markers or those made by Chapters long since disbanded. Others have been moved from original sites because of road changes and still others have been destroyed. Yet, more than 250 sites are listed in this travel guide giving |
their map location and a brief history about each. The original "great highways" of the territory were the rivers as shown on the book's cover. The early explorers -- Zebulon Pike, Lewis & Clark and the Dragoons -- all used the river. Later, settlers came up the rivers looking for a new life on the rich prairies of Iowa. Divided into nine geographical sections of Iowa in this book, each has a marked map that approximates the location of the site with detailed "how to find it" information keyed to each place. The instructions can take the reader from the Interstates, down gravel or even dirt roads and many years back in time. |
Keep this guide in the glove compartment or under the front seat of your car when you travel Iowa. Larger State of Iowa maps are available at Iowa Welcome Centers or from the Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010. No attempt has been made to include complete information about each site. To do so would require a much larger book. Iowa's numerous libraries are wonderful sources of additional information. Not only books but the small historical pamphlets can provide still more insight regarding the building of the state of Iowa as we know it today. ... The Authors |