Des Moines Iowa Toots Its Horn

Come to Des Moines, Iowa! Don’t just drive through Des Moines, [pronounced demwan] Iowa on Interstates 35 and 80 which join right here in the center of North America and the United States. Des Moines is located at the banks of the Des Moines and the Raccoon Rivers and has been home for humans for at least 3,000 years. At least three villages dated from A.D. 1300 – 1700 and 15 prehistoric American Indian mounds were found by early settlers. All have been destroyed.

History

Des Moines actually traces its origin to May, 1843, when Ft. Des Moines was built to control the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians, who had been transplanted from eastern Iowa. Today, Des Moines, with a metro region population of more than 600,000 is the county seat of Polk County Iowa.

In 1857, the name Ft. Des Moines was shortened to Des Moines and the capital was moved to Des Moines from Iowa City.

In 1851 and 1993 terrible floods from water flowing from the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers devastated Des Moines. Each time the people dug in, started anew and upgraded the city.

Interesting Information

Today the city is a major insurance industry center and has large financial and business bases. This change began in the 50s – as major industries built in downtown, moving Des Moines from a blue-collar to a more white collar city. Des Moines is known for its number one spot for these types of businesses.

The U.S. presidential political importance is found in Des Moines at caucus time. Des Moines is the home to Iowa caucuses, the 1st major political event in the nomination of the President of the U.S. Many candidates set up campaign headquarters here and you will have a immense opportunity to view and even meet all the candidates.

Transportation

You won’t find mighty pubic transportation – but Des Moines’ DART bus services have grown since the cost of gas exploded and continues to have high ridership. I-235 cuts through the middle of Des Moines and joins I-35 and I-80 which outline the city to the north and west. for very easy access to any U.S. coast and in between.

Capitol Building

The Sate Capitol building, among the most beautiful in the U.S., arises in the east, facing downtown, and has a shining 23 karat gold leafed dome towering above the city. Four smaller gold leafed domes accent the ample dome. Enjoy the tour of the building’s beautiful interior, which includes among many things, a collection of first lady dolls. The spacious and beautiful surrounding grounds include a World War ll Wall of Memories, glorious gardens, statues and sculptures.

Des Moines Attractions

Visit the Des Moines Botanical Center, located in a beautiful river setting. Late winter is a broad time to shed winter’s drudgery by wandering among the tulips and other spring flowers. Also consider the Blank Park Zoo, the Great Ape Trust of Iowa, East Village with its quaint and spectacular little nooks and crannies, or Adventureland Park for a day of roller coasters and fun.

Arts, Theatre and Festivals

Arts and Theatres cultural centers include the Civic Centers that hosts best Broadway and other live professional theater shows. The Temple for Performing Arts, a refashioned old building, and the Des Moines Playhouse host live theatre, comedy and a variety of venues.

The Des Moines Metro Opera and the Des Moines Symphony are both well-respected nationally and have much to offer for everyone.

Salisbury House and Gardens [named after the King's House in Salisbury, England] contains authentic 16th century English oaks and rafters dating to Shakespeare’s day. The House has world class collections of original art, tapestries and rare books. The Des Moines Art Center, art festivals, farmer’s markets, antique days, and The Iowa State Fair which the movie “State Fair” was based upon, are great attractions. Also Living History Farms, Science Center, Prairie Meadows, sports teams from the Iowa Cubs, to college teams to 5 year olds just learning the game, provide many opportunities for fun.

Don’t overlook the Principal Riverwalk, Grays Lake Park, and a walk through the downtown skywalks. Many bike and walking trails provide exercise and enjoyment. They are instrumental in making the Des Moines metro area the place people want to live.

Education

Iowans have always valued great education from the days of one-room schools and into the future. Students fare above normal and Des Moines is also home or close to several colleges, both public and private. People look to Iowa for educating their children.

Media

The Des Moines Register serves Iowa as a daily newspaper and several weeklies are published in the metro area. TV markets include a 35 county area and many radio stations serve the area. Des Moines is extremely visible online.

Sorry to Say

Like everywhere, tiny towns are fading, but the farmers there are known for their ever-increasing products. Most renowned are Iowa corn and soybeans. However small farms are producing for farmer’s markets, Chlo lunches and local grocery stores. Iowa is known for it’s shadowy soil and great prairie growing conditions. They’ve found out that our soil and growing conditions are great for vineyards – and we now have many!

Ancestry

In the mid 1800s, many families left Germany and surrounding countries hoping to find a life free from wars and political problems. They worked hard, struggled and generations later many still work the land and are prominent in other professions. However, Des Moines and all of Iowa, are home to all races and ethnic groups. People tend to work hard, yet have fun, one of Iowa’s traditions beginning from its first settlers.

Welcome to Des Moines

Please steal time to visit Des Moines and all of Iowa. You will procure suited people, hills, corn fields, flat lands, rivers on both sides of the state, lower cost housing, and plenty to do. Ask questions – we’ll be glad to help you learn more about our community and our state.

Sources: wikipedia and a lifetime of living in the Des Moines metro area.

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