Downtown in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The First Public Schoolhouse
November 6, 2023
1. Where The First Public Schoolhouse Stood Marker
the first public schoolhouse stood
Erected 1858
Erected 1934 by Abigail Adams Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 41° 35.174′ N, 93° 37.698′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in Downtown. It is on Locust Street North east of 9th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 899 Locust St, Des Moines IA 50309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civil Rights Victory (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); St Paul's Cathedral and Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Savery Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ronald W. Reagan (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hawkeye Insurance Co. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scottish Rite Consistory Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Iowa Commission for the Blind Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Homestead Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.
Also see . . .
this page online
Excerpt: "In 1851 the sum of $100 was appropriated to purchase a half acre of ground at Ninth and Locust on which to erect a school building. The first tax for the erection of a school building was levied in 1854. The Third Ward School (or "Brick School House," as it was called) was opened for school in 1856. It had cost the staggering sum of $8,000. There were four departments and four teachers when it opened. A bronze plaque has been placed on the front of the present building at 9th and Locust to commemorate the site of the first public school in Des Moines."(Submitted on November 12, 2023.)
November 6, 2023
2. Where The First Public Schoolhouse Stood Marker
November 6, 2023
3. Where The First Public Schoolhouse Stood Marker, from the west
November 6, 2023
4. Where The First Public Schoolhouse Stood Marker, from the east
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2023. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 12, 2023.
