In 1877, the Sherman family home was completed with the help of architect William Foster. Almost immediately, it was noted in writings to be, “a society showplace of the grandest scale.” Among its distinguished guests in history were General Sherman, General Grant, General Sheridan, and Major McKinley.
Sherman and his wife, Sara, raised five children, Frank, Addie, Charles, Arthur, and Helen, in the home. Major Hoyt Sherman passed away in January 1904, and his estate transferred to his heirs. They later gifted the entire estate to the city of Des Moines, with the caveat that it forever be called Hoyt Sherman Place.