Des Moines

Des Moines is the capital city of the U.S. state of Iowa and also the county seat of Polk County. It is named after the Des Moines River, which was adapted from the early French name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks". The city's population was 214,237 as of the 2020 census.

History

The area that now includes Des Moines was inhabited by the Meskwaki and Sauk tribes until the 1833 Treaty of Chicago. The city was founded in 1843 when Captain James Allen built a fort where the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers merge. The fort was named Fort Des Moines in 1846.

Geography

Des Moines is located on and named after the Des Moines River, which likely was adapted from the French colonial name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks". The city's longitude and latitude coordinates are approximately 41.5898° N, 93.6150° W.

Economy

Des Moines is a major center of the U.S. insurance industry and has a sizable financial services and publishing business base. The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, the Meredith Corporation, Ruan Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Healthcare

Des Moines is home to several hospitals and healthcare facilities, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and Broadlawns Medical Center.

Education

Des Moines is served by the Des Moines Public Schools district, which includes 63 schools and serves more than 33,000 students. The city is also home to Drake University, Grand View University, and the Des Moines University, an osteopathic medical school.

Transportation

Des Moines has an extensive skywalk system within its downtown core. The city is served by Des Moines International Airport, as well as intercity bus services.

See also

• List of cities in Iowa
• Iowa
• Polk County, Iowa

External links

• Official City Website

Des Moines Resources
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