From its humble beginnings as a military post on the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, the capital city of Iowa has gained a cosmopolitan prominence and become a force to be reckoned with in the insurance and publishing industries. Freed from a reputation of cornfields and hog farms, the city offers a range of urbane pursuits, especially along Court Avenue, the hub of the nightlife scene. Downtown, a three-mile network of climate-controlled skywalks grants convenient access to twenty blocks of offices and attractions. The city is also distinguished by spectacular architecture, most notably the commanding state capitol building, the governor's mansion (Terrace Hill), and Salisbury House, a Tudor estate. The Des Moines Art Center injects a note of contemporary drama into the historical mix. For a nostalgic taste of Main Street life, Historic Valley Junction provides a wealth of galleries, shops, restaurants and antiques, all packed within several walkable blocks in West Des Moines.