Des Moines, Iowa

GLO Record of the Week for February 14, 2021

Let's check out Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines is the capital of the state of Iowa and the most populous city within the state. The city found its origin as Fort Des Moines incorporated in 1851. The fort itself was originally built in 1843 at the juncture of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. 

Below is the Record of the Week, the survey plat for Township 78 North Range 24 West in the 5th Principal Meridian. Approved Feb. 18, 1848, the plat depicts Fort Des Moines in sections 4 and 9.

Sketch of Fort Des Moines during the flood

Growth

A few months after devastation from the Flood of 1851, the town of Fort Des Moines was rebuilt from scratch and incorporated as a city. In 1857, Fort Des Moines was renamed to Des Moines and designated as the second state capital. The original capital was Iowa City. Growth was slow during the Civil War period, but the city exploded in size and importance after a railroad link was completed in 1866.

From 1864 to 1876 the area saw coal mining grow to 23 different mines scattered around the city. This industry employed hundreds of men until about 1908 when the coal resources were largely exhausted. By 1880, Des Moines had a population of 22,408, making it Iowa's largest city. 

Explore this map to see how modern Des Moines compares to the original survey from the 1800s.

Iowa State Capitol

One of the most popular sights in Des Moines is the Iowa State Capitol. The exterior of the building is made entirely of stone with elaborate columns and handsomely designed cornices and capitals. The commanding feature is the central towering dome constructed of iron and brick and covered with tissue-paper-thin sheets of pure 23-karat gold. Inside, the capitol building features an array of majesty including many different types and colors of marble, works of art, fixtures and carvings in both wood and stone. Use the arrow buttons in the slideshow below to view photos of the capitol building.

The exterior of the Iowa State Capitol. The gold dome features prominently as the centerpiece.

The marble grand staircase between the second and third floors serves as the focal point of the interior. 

Iowa State Capitol dome as viewed inside from rotunda.

Sketch of Fort Des Moines during the flood