USA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS : IOWA

IOWA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Effigy Mound National Monument

This ancient American Indian culture flourishing around 1000 ad created thousands of earthen mounds over Iowa & adjoining states. It is a major Iowa attraction . Some 200 of these mounds are preserved at the Effigy Mound National Monument , some in the form of bears and birds. Ancient beliefs of ancient peoples. Sixteen   American Indian tribes consider these sacred sites. The monument is within Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area .

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 - October 20, 1964) was the thirty-first President of the United States serving1929-1933. Hoover is the only Iowa man to become President so naturally the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site has become a major Iowa attraction. Born in a two-room cottage, it confirms the American dream of opportunity for all. Presidential Library and Museum is operated by the National Archives. Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover are buried on a hillside overlooking the president's birthplace.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Iowa Visitor Center

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, another Iowa attraction, follows the Missouri and Columbia rivers through 11 states. In May 1804 , a small band of people, some 33 persons, calling themselves Corps of Discovery set out from the Mid West to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean . In doing so, they opened up the west for settlers & hastened the development of the USA.

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormons led Brigham Young blazed a trail from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah. This 1,300 mile Mormon necessitated the building of new ferries and bridges. Markers were placed to guide others following later. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, an Iowa attraction , is another example of the way America has accommodated all religions, faiths & beliefs.

The Mormon migration was search of religious freedom & freedom from persecution .In 1830 Joseph Smith founded the Mormon religion in Fayette, New York.. Smith had visions early in his life which he later wrote down in The Book of Mormon.

Persecution of the Mormons led to many moves westward - Ohio, Missouri and Illinois.Mormon practices such as polygamy angered the locals & in June 27, 1844 precipitated the murder of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum by an lynch mob whilst in jail.

Brigham Young succeeded Smith and after more violence in Nauvoo they decided to relocate to Salt Lake in Utah thus triggering the amazing trek.