Downtown in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Site of Old Fort Des Moines
November 6, 2023
1. Site of Old Fort Des Moines Marker
Established in 1843
Evacuated in 1846
Erected by Abigail Adams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Assisted by park commissioners and early settlers of Des Moines
Dedicated June 14, 1908
Erected 1908 by Abigail Adams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, assisted by park commissioners and early settlers of Des Moines.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 41° 34.898′ N, 93° 36.97′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in Downtown. It is on Southwest Water Street south of West Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Dragoon Trail Historical Site Marker #13 (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Des Moines (within shouting distance of this marker); Des Moines Bruins (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Iowa Oaks (about 500 feet away); Iowa Cubs
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
November 6, 2023
2. Site of Old Fort Des Moines Marker, from the south
November 6, 2023
3. Site of Old Fort Des Moines Marker, from the north
A Dragoon Trail historical marker is on the reverse side.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2023. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2023.
