This Memorial Day, our Iowa Freedom Rock journey continued through southeast Iowa, where we visited the Freedom Rocks in Jefferson, Van Buren, Lee, Des Moines, Henry, and Louisa Counties.
One thing quickly became apparent during this trip — Civil War history runs deep throughout Southeast Iowa. Many of the stories featured on these rocks highlighted local soldiers, Medal of Honor recipients, military units, and communities that played important roles during the Civil War and beyond.
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| My kids standing next to the Lee County Freedom Rock Memorial Day 2026 |
Jefferson County Freedom Rock - 51 E Briggs Ave, Fairfield, Iowa
Located next to the Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairfield, the Jefferson County Freedom Rock tells several stories on local veterans and military groups.
The front of the rock (seen in the photo above) honors Major Mehitable Woods, a pioneer of Jefferson County. During the Civil War she first cared for sick and wounded soldiers at the military hospital in Keokuk before traveling to the front lines to continue caring for injured troops.
The rock also recognizes: the 34th Army Band, headquartered in Fairfield and the only military band in the state of Iowa, the 224th Engineers, the 34th Infantry and members of the Special Forces.
Van Buren County Freedom Rock – 112 E Legion St, Stockport, Iowa
The Van Buren County Freedom Rock is located in Stockport, next to the American Legion and the historic depot.
One of the featured heroes is Voltaire Paine Twombly (seen in the above photo), who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Fort Donelson on February 15, 1862. After three members of his regiment were killed or wounded trying to protect their unit's flag, Twombly picked up the flag and carried it forward under heavy Confederate fire.
The rock also celebrates author Phil Stong, best known for writing State Fair, which later became a movie and Broadway musical featuring the song All I Owe Ioway.
While exploring the Villages of Van Buren County, don't miss:
- Iowa's oldest courthouse, built in 1843, located in Keosauqua (also featured on the Freedom Rock).
- The famous Dutchman's Store in Cantril. Our family was impressed with the size and variety of items available at this Mennonite general store.
Lee County Freedom Rock – 309 5th St, West Point, Iowa
The Lee County Freedom Rock sits across from the American Legion in West Point within a Veterans memorial park.
One story that stood out to us was learning about the Keokuk National Cemetery. Established during the Civil War, it became the final resting place for soldiers who died while being treated at one of the five military hospitals located in the Keokuk area.
The rock also honors:
- Vietnam veterans
- Prisoners of War (POWs)
- Those Missing in Action (MIAs)
Des Moines County Freedom Rock – 510 Main St, Mediapolis, Iowa
The Des Moines County Freedom Rock is located in Mediapolis, where we appreciated an informative sign explaining the artwork featured on the county's rock.
One of the most interesting things we learned was about the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP) near Burlington. Established in 1940, the facility manufactures component assemblies and medium- and large-caliber ammunition for the United States Department of Defense.
The rock features two veterans:
- Staff Sergeant Jimmie Howard, a Marine Corps hero who served in Korea and Vietnam and received the Medal of Honor.
- General John Corse, a Union Army officer during the Civil War who later served as a politician.
Des Moines County is also home to the oldest Civil War monument west of the Mississippi River, located in Yellow Spring Township, and is highlighted on the Freedom Rock.
If you're visiting the area, be sure to:
- Drive down the famous Snake Alley in Burlington.
- Stop at Buffalo Tavern for a great pork tenderloin sandwich!
Henry County Freedom Rock – 117 S Locust St, Winfield, Iowa
The Henry County Freedom Rock in Winfield recognizes several Medal of Honor recipients with county ties, including: Edward Bebb, James Miller, Charles Swan, Paul Straub, John Yount and Emory Pike, seen here on the front of the rock.
The rock also highlights the 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, headquartered in nearby Mt. Pleasant, with its motto, "Clear the Way!"
One of the most inspiring stories featured on the rock belongs to Sergeant Robert Briggs. While serving in Iraq, an insurgent's rocket-propelled grenade exploded just feet away from him. The blast caused devastating injuries, destroying one eye, severely damaging the other, causing traumatic brain injuries, and leaving much of his left side paralyzed. Despite these life-changing injuries, Briggs dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans and their families. Alongside his wife, he spent years advocating for legislation supporting veterans at both the state and federal levels, until he succumbed to his injuries.
The rock also honors Frank Garretson, a Salem, Iowa native who received the Navy Cross, the nation's second-highest award for valor in combat, for his service during World War II.
Louisa County Freedom Rock – 13961 CR 252, Grandview, Iowa
Our final stop was the Louisa County Freedom Rock in Grandview, located in an impressive veterans memorial park. We especially appreciated the pamphlets available on-site that explained the stories behind the artwork.
The rock tells the story of Andrews' Raiders and the Great Locomotive Chase of April 12, 1862 (seen in the photo above). Corporal William Reddick, who participated in the raid, was captured by Confederate forces, later exchanged, received the Medal of Honor, and eventually settled near Letts in Louisa County where he farmed after the war.
Our kids were the first to notice the familiar "Kilroy Was Here" drawing painted on the rock — an iconic American symbol that became popular during World War II. Another moving image is the Battlefield Cross, the symbolic memorial honoring fallen soldiers with a helmet resting atop a rifle and boots.
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| All Veterans Memorial and Louisa County Freedom Rock, Grandview, Iowa |
Every Freedom Rock trip teaches us something new, but this one especially deepened our appreciation for Iowa's Civil War connections and the countless men and women who have served our country throughout history.
With 83 of 99 County Freedom Rocks now checked off our list, we're getting closer to completing our statewide adventure. Southwest and South-Central Iowa are all that's left!
If you'd like to follow along on our Freedom Rock travels, you can read about some of our previous adventures through:
Have you visited any of these Freedom Rocks? Which county should we explore next?
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