East Village in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Photographed By McGhiever, November 6, 2022
1. Robert D. Ray Asian Garden Marker
The Robert D. Ray Asian Garden not only highlights the importance of diversity in our community and acknowledges the contributions that Asian Americans have made to Iowa, but also serves as a lasting monument honoring Governor Ray's visionary leadership and humanitarian work. They are dedicated to the man who: was the first public official anywhere in the world to offer endangered Vietnamese "Boat People" a haven; created Iowa SHARES to send food and medicine halfway around the world to feed starving Cambodians; kept the Tai Dam of Laos intact as a people and a culture by arranging for them to resettle in this state; and welcomed so many other people from all countries of Asia to become Iowans.
Under the inspired, compassionate leadership of the Governor Robert D. Ray in the 1970s, Iowa responded to three refugee challenges, providing moral leadership to America and the world, and saving thousands upon thousands of people from Asia from starvation and death. Governor Ray was also in the forefront of building strong relationships with China, Japan and other countries of Asia, both while serving as governor and following his time in office.
–Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn
Board Member
Chinese Cultural Center of America
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans
this page online
Location. 41° 35.566′ N, 93° 37.049′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in East Village. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Robert D. Ray Drive and E. Center Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is at the south entrance to the garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Robert D Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cambodia (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Licensed Ferry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.6 miles away); Iowa Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); The First Public Schoolhouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Birthplace of Des Moines (approx. ¾ mile away); War Of The Rebellion Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); Iowa Revolutionary War Monument (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.
Photographed By McGhiever, November 6, 2022
2. Marker at the south end of the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Carol M. Highsmith (courtesy of the Library of Congress), August 6, 2016
3. Pagoda at the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
“Multiple artists contributed to the design and completion of the pagoda at the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens atop an undulating bridge over a pond that cascades into the Des Moines River in Des Moines, Iowa's capital city.”
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 3. submitted on December 21, 2023. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
