The Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker, located in Winterset, Iowa, is a significant testament to the history and progression of apple cultivation in the state. This marker commemorates the remarkable discovery made by Jesse Hiatt, an Indiana orchardist who moved to Iowa in 1872. In that year, he stumbled upon a new variety of apple tree, which he named The Hawkeye. The name was later changed to Delicious Apple, and this variety became an essential part of the states agricultural industry.

Hiatts discovery would not have reached its potential without the intervention of the Stark Brothers Fruit Company. They recognized the value in Hiatts apple and bought the rights to cultivate it, taking cuttings from the original tree that grew on Hiatts Winterset property. This marked a crucial moment in the history of Winterset and Iowa as a whole.

On the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking discovery, a stone tribute was erected at the very same location where the original wooden sign had once stood. This historical marker serves as an important reminder of how one mans chance discovery can lead to significant progress in agriculture and the development of new varieties of fruits that are enjoyed today.

As you stand before this remarkable piece of Wintersets history, imagine the excitement Jesse Hiatt must have felt upon discovering his unique apple variety. Envision the bustling activity surrounding the cultivation and distribution of these Delicious Apples, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of Iowa as a whole. The Discovery of the Delicious Apple Historical Marker is not just a monument to an important event; its a celebration of human ingenuity, perseverance, and the power of innovation in agriculture.