Historic Homes on Poplar Street
Linda Staats The Mackey House is one of the historic homes along Poplar Street. West Branch was barely a settlement in 1852 when Baltimore native Aaron Baker came here to claim the free land he'd received from the United States government for his service in the Mexican War. He promptly sold all 160 acres of it for about a dollar apiece. By the time John Wetherell purchased five acres in 1869, the price of land had risen considerably. The new real estate developer set about subdividing his property into town lots, and also decided to name a nearby street after himself. As you look around, you might be surprised to learn that Herbert Hoover didn't live in one of these larger homes. By comparison, his home measured only 14 by 20 feet in size. You will get the chance to go inside the cottage where America's 31st President was born; however, the homes here on Poplar Street are not open to the public and are used as offices or private residences.
Take a Virtual Tour This is a stop on the virtual tour of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. « West Branch Commercial Historic District | Hayhurst House » |
Did You Know?
The West Branch Schoolhouse was built in 1853 making it the oldest building at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The town's Quakers also used the one-room building as their first meetinghouse. More...