Introducing Iowa’s “American Gothic”

One of the most famous and recognizable of all American homes is in Eldon, Iowa — the background of painter Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic.”

The 1930 painting shows Wood’s sister, Nan, and his dentist, Dr. B.H. McKeeby, standing in front of the Eldon, Iowa, farmhouse with the pointed “Gothic” attic window. A grim-faced Dr. McKeeby holds a pitchfork, or hayfork, with Nan looking at him without expression.

Wood said that it was an “affectionate portrait” of Midwestern farm folk, and the dour pair has come to symbolize the fundamental principles and hard work of the people of the American plains.

The truth is that Nan and B.H. were not a couple, and neither of them lived in the house. The “Gothic” farmhouse was built by Charles and Catherine Dibble in 1881, but Mr. Dibble, who owned the livery stable in Eldon, eventually went bankrupt and lost everything. Maybe that’s why Nan and Dr. McKeeby are so stoic in Wood’s painting.

Eldon is just 102 miles southeast of Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, and 116 miles due south of Cedar Rapids. However ironically you interpret Wood’s “American Gothic” painting, there is no doubt that it has come to represent the sturdiness and community values of the Midwest and, especially, the great state of Iowa.

With its rolling plains and agricultural economy, bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri on the west, Iowa — the Hawkeye State — exemplifies middle America.

It’s a great place to live, and to build and own a home, whether you choose Gothic style or something a little more modern.