History of Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and also the country seat of Polk County. The city was established on the banks of the Des Moines River at the confluence with the Racoon River. Des Moines lies in the south-central part of Iowa. It sits in the breadbasket of the Corn Belt, and it is the most populous city in Iowa. Major suburbs of Des Moines include West Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, and Urbandale.
Founding and Origin of the Name
Establish in 1844, Fort Des Moines was built to protect the Fox and Sauk peoples who live in the area. In 1846, the region was opened to traders and settlers. The town grew quickly and became a city in 1858 when the term "Fort" was deleted from its name. Later that year, the state capital was relocated to Des Moines from Iowa City further assuring its continued growth. The origin of the city is still in question today. It may have come from French meaning "middle" for being between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Alternatively, it may have come from the Algonquian name for flowing water or river, which is Moingona. Lastly, there are some who think it may be a reference to Trappist monks. The monks live near where the city was established near the mouth of the Des Moines River.
Growth of the City and Education Institutions
In the early 1900s, the city grew rapidly because coal deposits were discovered and mined. It also evolved in Iowa's communication center since it was the largest city in the same; and it also became a major center for retailing, insurance, manufacturing (mainly farm equipment and tires), publishing, and government. Education institutions were found in the city over the years to include: Grand View Collete (1897), Drake University (1880), AIB College of Business (19200, and Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medical Center (1899)
State Capital of Iowa
Des Moines capital was built in a Greek style. It sits on a sprawling 170 acres and also is home to State Historical Buildings, museums, and archives. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the city's symphony orchestra, Civic Center, Arts Center, ballet group, and the Science Center of Iowa. Des Moines is also the location of a number of Victorian-style mansions to include Terrance Hill, Wallace House, and Hoyt Sherman Place.
Iowa State Fair
The city hosts the nationally famous Iowa State Fair on fairgrounds situated within city limits. Within the fairgrounds is the Heritage Villiage, which displays early farm equipment and replicas of settler buildings. The state fair is held annually in August and is the city and state's marquee event. It attracts 100,000 plus visitors each year. The fair is nationally recognized for both is agricultural as well as farm contributions to farm sciences. Corn, or maize as it was called by Native Americans, is on full display at the fair since Iowa is the largest grower of corn in the United States.
Des Moines has a rich and interesting history. However, it futures holds more promises that all of its past. Not visit to the midwest, let alone Iowa, is complete without a trip to Des Moines, IA.
Read here for more information.
Des Moines has a rich and interesting history. However, it futures holds more promises that all of its past. Not visit to the midwest, let alone Iowa, is complete without a trip to Des Moines, IA.
Read here for more information.
