Des Moines history

The history of Des Moines, the capital of the state of Iowa, is closely tied to the exploration of the American Midwest and its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers.

The city's foundation dates back to May 1843, when a US Army military post named Fort Des Moines was established. The fort, built under the command of Captain James Allen where the Raccoon River flows into the Des Moines River, was intended to supervise the local Sauk and Meskwaki (Fox) indigenous tribes. Following their relocation further west, the fort was abandoned in 1846, but its advantageous location attracted settlers, and later that same year, the settlement became the seat of Polk County. The settlement received city status in 1851, and in 1857, upon becoming the state capital, its name was officially shortened to "Des Moines".

The development of Des Moines was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position at the junction of two rivers made this location strategically important for trade and transport.
• Political Status: In 1857, Des Moines became the capital of Iowa, which significantly accelerated its growth and attracted investment.
• Transport Accessibility: A true economic boom began after the railway reached the city in 1866, connecting it with the rest of the country.

The city's early economy was shaped by its role as a vital hub of the agrarian region known as the "Corn Belt". The foundation was agriculture, specifically the cultivation of maize and soya beans, as well as livestock farming. Industrial growth was also fostered by active coal mining in the city's vicinity. By the early 20th century, after the depletion of major coal deposits, the city reoriented towards other sectors, including insurance and finance, and today it hosts the headquarters of many major insurance companies.

Key Dates in the History of Des Moines

The history of Des Moines is a journey from a military outpost on the edge of the American prairie to a significant political and economic centre of the Midwest. The major milestones of the city's development reflect its transformation and growth.

• 1843 — Fort Des Moines military post is established to supervise the territories of the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes.
• 1846 — Following the departure of the indigenous tribes, the fort was abandoned, but a settlement emerged on the site, immediately becoming the centre of Polk County.
• 1851 — The settlement of Fort Des Moines received city status, despite a severe flood that caused significant damage.
• 1857 — The city officially becomes the capital of Iowa, taking over this status from Iowa City, and its name is shortened to "Des Moines".
• 1866 — The railway arrives in Des Moines, providing a powerful impetus for economic development and population growth.
• 1871–1886 — Construction of the Iowa State Capitol takes place, a majestic building that became the symbol of the city.
• 1881 — Drake University is founded, which remains one of the city's leading educational institutions today.
• Early 20th Century — After the exhaustion of coal deposits, the city's economy begins to pivot towards the service sector, specifically the insurance and financial sectors.
• Early 1900s — The "City Beautiful" urban planning project is implemented, creating parks, boulevards, and iconic public buildings.
• 1993 — The "Great Flood" occurs, one of the most destructive in US history. The Raccoon River flooded the water treatment facilities, leaving the city without drinking water for nearly 20 days.
• 2009 — The Pappajohn Sculpture Park opens in the city centre, becoming an important cultural space and a popular attraction.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Des Moines is a story of how a town on the American frontier turned into a thriving administrative, financial, and cultural centre. Key events in its history defined its modern appearance and economic structure.

• Transfer of the State Capital (1857): Becoming the capital of Iowa gave Des Moines a powerful boost for growth. This status attracted political and administrative resources to the city, laying the foundation for its future influence in the region.
• Arrival of the Railway (1866): The advent of rail connections was a turning point for the economy. The city transformed into a major transport hub, which facilitated the development of trade, agriculture, and industry, particularly coal mining.
• "City Beautiful" Movement (Early 1900s): Inspired by a nationwide urban planning initiative, Des Moines transformed its appearance. Within the framework of this movement, parks and boulevards were created, and majestic public buildings were constructed, forming an aesthetically pleasing urban environment.
• Rise of the "Insurance Capital": After coal deposits were depleted by the early 20th century, the city's economy successfully reoriented itself. Des Moines became a national centre for the insurance and financial business, ensuring economic stability and prosperity. It is often referred to as the "Hartford of the West".
• The Great Flood of 1993: This natural disaster was a serious test for the city. The overflow of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers led to massive destruction and left the city without potable water for nearly three weeks. The consequences of the flood stimulated a large-scale modernisation of infrastructure and flood protection systems.
• Cultural and Urban Renewal (2000s): In recent decades, Des Moines has actively implemented projects to revitalise urban spaces. A vivid example is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, opened in 2009, which turned the city centre into an open-air gallery and became a magnet for residents and tourists alike.

The architectural appearance of Des Moines represents a harmonious blend of historical buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and modern structures. While the city may not boast Gothic or Renaissance styles in the European sense, its development clearly demonstrates the shift of architectural eras in the American context, from Victorian eclecticism to modernism and postmodernism.

The Gilded Age and the "City Beautiful" Movement

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of rapid growth for Des Moines, which is reflected in its architecture. This stage is linked to the "City Beautiful" movement, during which majestic public buildings and landscaped urban spaces were created across the country. In Des Moines, this movement shaped the historic Civic Center district located along the river.

• Neoclassicism and Beaux-Arts: These styles dominated public architecture of that time. The brightest example is the Iowa State Capitol (1871–1886), combining elements of Neo-Renaissance and Neoclassicism. Its main dome, covered in gold leaf, has become the city's calling card. The City Hall building (1910) also belongs to this style.
• East Village Historic District: This oldest commercial quarter of the city has preserved many buildings from the Victorian era. Here, one can see the brick facades, decorative masonry, and large shop windows characteristic of that time.

The Era of Modernism and Modernity

From the mid-20th century, the architecture of Des Moines began to follow global trends of modernism, characterised by a rejection of historical decor in favour of clean lines, functionality, and the use of new materials—glass, steel, and concrete.

• International Style: Office buildings with strict geometric forms and glass facades appeared in the city. One of the iconic examples of modernist architecture is the Des Moines Art Center, designed by the famous architect Eliel Saarinen, with later additions by I. M. Pei and Richard Meier.
• Modern Skyscrapers: The skyline of modern Des Moines is formed by high-rise buildings constructed in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Standing out among them is 801 Grand (also known as The Principal Building)—the tallest building in the state of Iowa and a striking example of postmodernist architecture.
• Urban Renewal: In the 21st century, great attention is paid to humanising the urban space. Opened in 2009, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park transformed part of the city centre into a gallery of contemporary art under the open sky, successfully integrating art into the daily life of citizens.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, has been the birthplace or a significant life stage for many talented and famous people who have left their mark on culture, science, and sport. Here are some of them:

• Cloris Leachman (1926–2021) — Actress. A native of Des Moines and a legendary actress of theatre, film, and television. Over her career spanning more than 70 years, she won an Academy Award and a record number of Emmy Awards for an actress.
• Bill Bryson (born 1951) — Author and journalist. Born in Des Moines, Bryson gained worldwide fame thanks to his witty travel books and popular science works, such as "A Short History of Nearly Everything".
• Corey Taylor (born 1973) — Musician, vocalist. Born in Des Moines, he is one of the founders and the permanent frontman of the internationally renowned heavy metal band Slipknot, which was formed in this city. He is also known as the lead vocalist of the band Stone Sour.
• Shawn Johnson (born 1992) — Gymnast. Born in Des Moines, she is an Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, she won a gold medal on the balance beam and three silver medals.
• Brandon Routh (born 1979) — Actor. A native of Des Moines who gained global fame for his role as Superman in the 2006 film "Superman Returns". He grew up in the neighbouring town of Norwalk and attended the University of Iowa.
• Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (born 1970) — Singer, songwriter. Born in Des Moines, she is a member of the iconic R&B group TLC, one of the best-selling girl groups in music history.
• John Wayne (1907–1979) — Actor. Although the "King of the Western" was born in the nearby town of Winterset, his name is inextricably linked with the state of Iowa, and his career became a symbol of American cinema. His legacy holds great significance for the entire region.