History of the Jordan House

The Beginning.

James C. Jordan, a cattle farmer from Virginia and one of Iowa's most influential early settlers built the Jordan House. When Jordan settled the area, he chose a beautiful location with ancient oak, walnut and hickory trees on land gently sloping to the Raccoon River. Jordan's first shelter was a lean-to tent, which was replaced in 1848 with a log cabin. In 1850 he and his wife, Melinda, began work on the first phase of the Jordan House. The family, which at that time numbered six children, lived for a time in the basement of the structure, consisting of a small kitchen and a bed/sitting room. About a year later what turned out to be the first phase of the upper white frame two-story structure was completed, featuring a magnificent entrance, a center hall and two large rooms. A walnut staircase led to the upstairs and two spacious bedrooms. The kitchen remained in the basement.

An Underground Railroad Station and subsequent expansion.
During the antebellum period, fugitive slaves were hidden in the house, as it was a designated stopover on the secret Underground Railroad. Jordan, a staunch abolitionist, was regarded as the "chief conductor" for Polk County. John Brown stayed at least twice at Jordan House, once when he was leading a group of 12 slaves to freedom. The house also served as a haven for weary travelers on their westward journey. Jordan's southern hospitality was apparent, as "Uncle Jimmy Jordan's" house became known as a comfortable gathering place for local politicians and business leaders. After the death of his first wife, Jordan married Cynthia Adams and their and their family grew to eleven children. In 1870, the house was expanded again with the addition of another parlor, dining room, library and kitchen. Porches were built on both the east and south sides of the house. A second entrance was also added with a black walnut staircase leading to six more bedrooms upstairs.

The Story of the Ghost of Eda in the Jordan House
At about the same time as the Civil War, tragedy struck the family when their three-year old daughter, Eda, while attempting to slide down the banister in the front hall, broke her neck and died a few days later. After that the Jordan family would occasionally talk of the ghost of Eda, perhaps in an attempt to keep her in their daily lives, and might attribute lost items or other seemingly unusual events to her. Nothing inexplicable has happened that we know of, but, like a ghost, the story won't die.

Jordan's Impact On Central Iowa
In addition to managing his large cattle operation, Jordan became an influential business and civic leader. He organized the State Bank of Des Moines, served on the Polk Country Board of Supervisors and was elected to both the Iowa Senate and the House of Representatives. During his tenure in the legislature, Jordan led the drive to relocate Iowa's State Capitol from Iowa City to Des Moines. Jordan was also instrumental in bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area. He platted out Valley Junction, thereby founding what is today West Des Moines, and raised $70,000 in his successful effort to establish a railhead on that location, which was coincidentally near his cattle operation. By the turn of the century, over 400 railroad employees and their families were living in Valley Junction and the railroad was a dominant force in the early history of the city.

Recent History
The house remained in the Jordan family for almost a century. In 1947, it was sold to the Church of the Nazarene and became part of its summer campgrounds. In 1978, the West Des Moines Historical Society purchased Jordan house to begin its renovation as a period home and to create a museum for West Des Moines.

Note: You can 'Click' the "History" tab below to return to the history options page where you can choose to learn more about The Jordan House's role in the underground railroad or see pictures of historic Valley Junction (West Des Moines) and The Jordan House.