BigDaddyData.Com: Iowa Des Moines

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    Des Moines, the capital of Iowa and seat of Polk County, is located in the south central part of the state. Lying at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in the heart of the Corn Belt, it is the largest city in the state, with a population of 193,187 (1990 census). It is an important center of wholesaling and retailing, insurance, transportation, publishing (farm journals), and manufacturing. Its manufacturing industries include agricultural implements, machinery, leather goods, chemical works, flour milling, bricks, metal products, dairy products, packed meat, and cement.

    Drake University and Grand View College are located there. State libraries of medicine, law, genealogy, and Iowa history are nearby. The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines (1979) is a major performance facility in the city, and Des Moines has a symphony orchestra. Landmarks include the capitol building (1871-96), set in a 32-ha (80-acre) park; the Iowa State Fairgrounds; and the Des Moines Art Center (1958), designed by Eliel Saarinen.

    Established in 1843 as Fort Des Moines, the city was assured of growth when it became the state capital in 1857. Industry was promoted by the development of local coal deposits between 1910 and 1920. The city and its environs suffered extensive damage from flooding during the summer of 1993.