Near Waukee in Dallas County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historic Des Moines / Noted Des Moines Residents
The word “Fort” was dropped from the name of the town in 1857. Des Moines grew to have the largest population of any municipality in the state. It is noted as being the largest insurance center in the Midwest, home of several major publishing companies and the site of the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest agricultural expositions in the word.
Several prominent persons have lived in Des Moines. John A. Kasson, U.S. Congressman, Assistant Postmaster General, and distinguished diplomat for many decades, first moved to Des Moines in 1857. Kasson was Minister to Austria-Hungary and also represented the U.S. at international congresses dealing with such topics as postal regulations, the Congo, Somoa, reciprocal tariffs, and boundary disputes.
Mary Jane Coggeshall, a pioneer in the women’s suffrage movement, came to Des Moines in 1865. She served as editor of the Women’s Standard, President of the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association, and in 1895 was elected to the Board of the National Woman Suffrage Association.
Albert B. Cummins, a nationally known Progressive leader, served as Governor for 3 terms, as U.S. Senator for 3 terms and was President of the Senate after Coolidge’s elevation to the Presidency in 1923. Edwin T. Meredith, head of the well known publishing firm, served as Secretary of Agriculture under Woodrow Wilson, was a candidate for Governor and U.S. Senator, and was appointed to numerous federal commissions and boards.
Erected 1977 by Iowa State Historical Department Division of the State Historical Society and by the Iowa Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 24.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Communications • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #30 Calvin Coolidge, and the Iowa - State Historical Society of Iowa series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 41° 34.225′ N, 93° 50.972′ W. Marker was near Waukee, Iowa, in Dallas County. Marker could be reached from Interstate 80 at milepost 119,, 1.9 miles east of Ute Avenue (County Road R22), on the right when traveling east. The marker was located at Rest Area 21 Eastbound, which has been closed, removed, and re-landscaped due to the new interchange that was built nearby. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Waukee IA 50263, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Welcome to Waukee (approx. 3.8 miles away); Welcome to the Jordan House (approx. 6 miles away); Walnut Creek, Clive (approx. 6.2 miles away); Prairie Engine (approx. 6.4 miles away); Ortonville (approx. 6½ miles away); Dallas County (approx. 7.2 miles away); Valley Junction (approx. 7.3 miles away); Paint It Black (approx. 10.3 miles away).
Also see . . . City of Des Moines Information Center - Historical Information. (Submitted on July 13, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. Waukee Rest Area on I-80 Eastbound outside Des Moines and Historic Des Moines marker
I traveled I-80 Eastbound yesterday, March 7, 2021, and the Waukee Rest Area has been closed. I-80 has gone through extensive reconstruction with new development in the area and the rest area was retired by the state of Iowa.
— Submitted March 8, 2021, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Genoa City, Wisconsin.
2.
The Des Moines Historical Society should be contacted to find a place to replace this marker since it has been removed. Court Avenue would be appropriate.
— Submitted March 22, 2024, by Patricia M. Meiners of Des Moines, Iowa.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,432 times since then and 171 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 13, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.