Cass County Cass Township

NISHNABOTNA FERRY HOUSE
705 Minnesota Street
Lewis, Iowa 51544

The Nishnabotna Ferry House, located on the northwest edge of Lewis, Iowa, is on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Samuel H. Tefft, ferry keeper, and his family lived here. In the late 1920's, the East Nishnabotna River was straightened and moved several hundred feet west. Thus, this home is no longer on the river bank. This ferry keeper's home witnessed thousands of pioneers going west and the Underground Railroad going east to freedom in Canada. It was the "I-80 of the 1850's". The Nishnabotna Ferry House is being preserved by the Cass County Mormon Trails Ass'n (owner). When finished, the site will interpret the many trails that passed directly in front of the house-- the stage coach, the Mormon Handcart Companies of 1856-57, immigrants going west to Colorado and California for silver and gold, to Oregon for land, and the great westward migration in general.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Lewis, go west on Minnesota Street. The Nishnabotna Ferry House is the last house on the north side before you get to the bridge.

FOR INFORMATION

Cass County Mormon Trails Ass'n, 601 West 29th St, Atlantic, IA 50022
Phone: 712-243-1931 or 712-769-2369
E-Mail: rubysue@netins.net