East Village in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Hmong
| | Robert D. Ray Asian Garden | |
Photographed by McGhiever, November 6, 2022
1. Hmong Marker
The Hmong are an ethnic group that migrated from China to Laos in the 18th century. They settled on the mountaintops of Laos for hundreds of years, relying on farming. In 1947, Laos King Si Sa Vang Vong declared that all Hmong were Lao citizens.
In 1960, the United States CIA recruited the Hmong as allies during the Vietnam War. One of their many missions was to rescue downed American pilots. During this time, the Hmong established strong relationships that helped pave an opportunity for them to seek refuge in the United States after the war.
1976 saw the first wave of Hmong refugees in the United States. Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray was one of the humanitarians that opened his heart to welcome Southeast Asian refugees into his state. Governor Ray's compassion allowed thousands of Hmong to immigrate to Iowa. The state of Iowa was a perfect fit for the Hmong who rely heavily on farming and agriculture. This state has given many Hmong an opportunity to prosper and live a healthy life since the 1980s.
Today, hundreds of Hmong still reside in Iowa. We owe a lot of gratitude to Governor Robert D. Ray. Without his kindness and caring, many Hmong would not be where they are today. The Hmong are honored to be loved by Governor Ray and are dedicated to ensuring that future generations will always remember
this page online
Lee Khoua & Mao Sayaxang
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Charity & Public Work • Immigration • War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.
Location. 41° 35.659′ N, 93° 37.009′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in East Village. It can be reached from Robert D. Ray Drive south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is near the north end of the Robert D. Ray Asian 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.
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: Cambodia (a few steps from this marker); Laos (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Robert D. Ray, 1928-2018 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tai Dam (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (about 600 feet away); The First Licensed Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.
Photographed by McGhiever, November 6, 2022
2. Hmong Marker near the north end of the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
