City of Des Moines

Des Moines, also known as "DMS", is the capital of the state of Iowa. With a population of nearly 193,886, as per the 2006 estimates by the United States Census Bureau, it is considered the most populous city in the state. It is also the county seat of Polk County. The city is also known as the "City of Skywalks" since its 3.5 mile long skywalk system connected most of the downtown buildings.


The city's name is believed to be named after the Des Moines River, which was named after the Indian tribal name "River of the Moingwena", which was later changed to "River of the Moines" by the French, until it was shortened to "Des Moines". The history of Des Moines can be traced to 1834, when John Dougherty, an Indian Agent at Fort Leavenworth, Ks, recommended that a military post be established at the point where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merge. Nine years later, May 1843, Captain James Allen and a company of dragoons from Fort Sanford arrived on the site. Settlers began locating almost immediately near the fort, which is now the site of Sec Taylor Stadium. Streets were platted in 1847. The date of incorporation was September 22, 1851 and the first town election was held October 18 when 25 voters unanimously approved the town charter.


Des Moines is a great place to live, work, and play. Some of the main attractions includes Art Center, Arts Festival, Adventureland Park, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Astronomical Society, Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey, Des Moines Playhouse, Downtown Farmers´ Market, Fort Des Moines Museum, Historical Museum, Iowa Cubs Baseball and many more awaits.