Mars Hill Church & Cemetery

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Located seven miles southeast of Ottumwa on a forested ridge near the Des Moines River, the church is the largest log building in Iowa, and the oldest log church still in occupancy in the nation. Built in 1850-56, the property was donated to the Baptist Church by Mrs. Barbara Clark. A worship service is still held there once a year in June that is well attended by the public.

Photo courtesy of Molly Naumann

SE of Ottumwa - Ottumwa, IA

• Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
• Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
• Architectural Style: No Style Listed
• Area of Significance: Architecture, Religion
• Period of Significance: 1850-1874
• Owner: Private
• Historic Function: Funerary, Religion
• Historic Sub-function: Cemetery, Religious Structure
• Current Function: Funerary, Recreation And Culture, Religion
• Current Sub-function: Cemetery, Ceremonial Site, Museum

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.