Welcome to the Tuttle Log Cabin, a remarkable piece of Pella, Iowa’s history that takes you back to the early days of settlement in the United States. Built in 1843, this log cabin stands as the oldest building in Pella, constructed by the pioneers Thomas and Nancy Tuttle. Imagine the Tuttles arriving here just days after the land was opened for settlement, their ox-pulled wagon carrying all their worldly possessions as they embarked on a new life on the frontier.
Thomas and Nancy Tuttle were among the first settlers in northern Marion County. With no children to assist them, they courageously staked their claim and transformed the prairie into a homestead. In those early years, their closest neighbors were miles away, and a trip to the nearest store took nine days. Yet, they persevered, marking the land for their farm, breaking the sod, and harvesting crops to survive the harsh winters.
Fast forward to 1847, when the Tuttle land caught the interest of Dominie Hendrik P. Scholte, a Dutch religious leader who sought a place for his followers to practice their beliefs freely. Scholte purchased the Tuttles’ property and established the town of Pella, which became a new home for hundreds of Dutch immigrants. The Tuttle Cabin thus played a pivotal role in the foundation of Pella, serving as a starting point for the town’s development.
Over the years, the cabin changed hands, eventually becoming the property of the Sneller family, who lived here until 1973. In 2015, recognizing its historical significance, the cabin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now under the care of the Historic Pella Trust.
As you explore this modest yet historically rich cabin, you are walking in the footsteps of pioneers who shaped this land. It’s a testament to the courage and determination of those early settlers and a reminder of the challenges they overcame to lay down roots in a new world.
