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Pearson House Museum Complex

718 Dodge St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565
641-431-0581 For Appointment

The unique old brick and stone house in the west part of Keosauqua, Iowa, is maintained by the Van Buren County Historical Society. It was built in the period of 1845 - 1847 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Benjamin Franklin Pearson, the builder, was a skilled stonemason who had intended to build the entire house of stone. But after erecting the first story, he accepted a quantity of brick as payment on a debt so he used the brick to complete the house. The second floor was originally one large room and was used for Methodist Church services. The house remained a private home until it was damaged by a tornado in 1967. It was purchased and restored by the Historical Society.

The Pearson House finds its place in history as a station on the Underground Railroad, that dramatic escape route of runaway slaves from southern states. A hide-away under the floor was reached through a trap door.

Also at this location is the one room Ellis School. It preserves its original desks, pot-belly stove and appears ready for rural students and the teacher to ring the bell for class to start.

Moughler Log Cabin also sits on the complex and, like Ellis School, was moved to this site by the Historical Society. It is cosily furnished for 1800's living.

Open April to October on Sundays 1-4 p.m., and by appointment. Our volunteer staff appreciates an advance appointment to better accommodate your travel plans. Your donation is a monetary support for the preservation of this cultural treasure.