Chapter 12, page 102

Much of Iowa's land was open prairie before the white man came and trees could be found mainly along the rivers and creeks, with only an occasional grove to break the prairie wind. These were rare enough that generally as settlements were established the grove was given a name. In the North Grove neighborhood a mile and a half southeast of the present town of Hastings, Alex Bowen settled in the 1860's, putting up a log cabin which served as a stage coach inn. Its thick walls had holes bored in them large enough for rifles as the extra protection was deemed necessary. The cabin was eventually moved 300 yards and can still be seen in that neighborhood.

In her interesting account, “A Spot of Forgotten History,” Lucile Webb described the platting of the town of Weston on the Bowen land. This was done just before 1870 but before lots could be sold, the Burlington & Missouri River railroad was completed across the state in late 1869 and the town of Hastings was platted by the railroad’s land company, on land owned by the railroad.

Thus this eliminated the proposed town before any actual settlements were made on it.