The Seth Dayton Stagecoach Inn, built in 1868 and located south of Bouton and Hwy. 141, is one of the few surviving Stagecoach Inns possessing almost all of its original authenticity. The “Dayton House” and approximately 10 acres, is a future historic restoration project on the old Des Moines to Fort Dodge Stagecoach route.
The Inn will be restored and developed into a historic site for tours and special programs. Other uses may include an educational retreat house or bed and breakfast. The Inn will serve as an important tourist attraction and one of the last reminders of the pre-1869 stagecoach era in central Iowa.
The land surrounding the house will afford an excellent opportunity for hiking, fishing and picnicking. A wide range of natural and cultural resources are present on the property, including 150 year old oaks and two horse racing tracks used by Seth Dayton in the 1860s and 1870s.
The Dayton House is directly connected to both the old interurban railroad line (light rail between Perry and Des Moines that ran by the old Stagecoach Inn between 1909 and the 1950’s) and HWY 141. The area around the Inn was originally settled in the 1850s because of the stands of timber and ready access to Beaver Creek. Beaver Township was one of the most prosperous townships in Dallas County and the Daytons were one of the most important early families in the region.
This is an important historical preservation project that will require many funding venues, which we anticipate will include grants, private donations, county budgeted dollars and in kind matching sources. Please call if you would like to donate time, energy and/or funds.
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Location
Directions:
Dayton House
14750 Pecos Ct.
Bouton, IA
From Perry, go about 4 miles east on Hwy. 141 to Hwy.169. Take Hwy 169 south 1 mile to gravel 150th St. Turn left (east) and go about 2 miles on 150th St. (same road as Lake Robbins Ballroom) to Pecos Ct. Turn north on gravel Pecos Ct. This dead-ends at the driveway for the Dayton House.