Black History Moments

African American history in Iowa dates back to before Iowa became a state. The first African American to come to Iowa was York, a slave of William Clark (Clark of the Louis and Clark Expedition). Iowa played an important role in the Underground Railroad and became a land of opportunity for African Americans after the Civil War. Click the links below to read some of the stories of African Americans who've lived in Iowa.

African Americans and the Civil War

African American History in Fort Dodge, IA

Eddie Barefield

Prince Hall and the Prince Hall Masons

The Slaves of Ruell Daggs

Tillers of the Soil: Iowa's Black Farmers

Timeline: Life of a Legend

To Find My Name: An Athlete's Journey

African American Women in Iowa

Iowa's Black Churches

A Brief Sketch of the African American Population from 1800 to 2000

Cherished Memories: The Winston Family of Ottumwa