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Introduction Des Moines, the capital of Iowa is located south-central Iowa along the banks of the Des Moines River. Des Moines is the longest river of Iowa and an important tributary of the Mississippi River. Though the origin of the name is uncertain, there are many theories to it. Some feel that 'Des Moines' is derived from the Indian word 'moingona' meaning river of the mounds which referred to the burial mounds that were located near the banks of the river. Some say that the name applies to the Trappist Monks who lived in huts at the mouth of the Des Moines River while French voyagers referred to the river as La Riviere Des Moines. The consensus seems to be that Des Moines is a variation of Moingona, Moingonan, Moingoun, Mohingona, or Moningounas, as shown on early maps.
Des Moines was incorporated on September 22, 1851 and is a seat of Polk County. It is the center of a metropolitan area consisting of West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Johnston, Clive, Windsor Heights, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill.
The city started to grow after the World War and now more than 200,000 people live in Des Moines. The city is today a center for business, education and culture. It is the third largest insurance center with nearly 60 life, health, and casualty companies located in the city.
Des Moines experiences extreme climate with temperatures dropping at the sub-zero level in winter and hot days during the summers. It is a tornado zone with May and June receiving the maximum rainfall.
The cultural scene in Des Moines is also highly developed. Des Moines Art Center designed by international architects Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier is an important center of art and culture. Nollen Plaza, adjacent to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, is a block-square amphitheater in the city. The Des Moines Playhouse produces a main stage season of drama, musicals while Des Moines Symphony performs at the Civic Center.
Area: 76 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 838 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 19.4° F; July, 76.6° F; annual average, 49.7° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 33.12 inches of rain, 33.3 inches of snow
Population: 194,163 (as on July 2005)
Attractions: * The Iowa Capitol
* Hoyt Sheraman Place
* Des Moines Botanical Center
* Salisbury House
Festivals:
* The Drake Relays Downtown Festival in April
* Des Moines Arts Festival in June
* Taste of Des Moines in July
* Iowa State Fair in August