On Northwest 86th Street at Clark Street, on the right when traveling north on Northwest 86th Street.
Prairie Engine recalls the early days of the railroad and its importance in the development of Clive. The sculpture conveys the power and movement of a by-gone era and historically connects Clive's past to its present.
The deep brown . . . — — Map (db m236237) HM
Near Northwest 86th Street 0.2 miles south of Swanson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
On this day, Walnut Creek rose out of its banks reaching a record crest of 13.41 feet (flood stage is 12 feet). The flooding followed two storms that moved through portions of Iowa sending several river systems above flood stage and 5 inches of rain . . . — — Map (db m236235) HM
The Owen's Covered Bridge was built around 1875 to span the North River, a tributary of the Des Moines River. This Howe Truss style bridge originally sat about 2.5 miles northeast of Carlisle where it formed part of a road from Martins Ferry to . . . — — Map (db m236539) HM
On 2nd Avenue at Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north on 2nd Avenue.
Initiated by the Iowa National Bar Association, the public art project A Monumental Journey honors the courage and legacy of African-American lawyers who founded the National Bar Association (NBA) in Des Moines in 1925. Black American attorneys . . . — — Map (db m256536) HM
On SW 1st Street at West Martin Luther King Parkway, on the left when traveling north on SW 1st Street.
Fort Des Moines No. 2
Established May 1843 Evacuated March 1846
This cabin is a memorial to the military outpost, Fort Des Moines No. 2, occupied by Company I, First Regiment U. S. Dragoons and Company F First U. S. Infantry. The . . . — — Map (db m84100) HM
On Locust Street at 7th Street, on the right when traveling east on Locust Street.
At this site where Katz Drug Store once stood, on July 7, 1948, at 3:45 p.m., Edna Griffin, her infant daughter Phyllis, John Bibbs, and Leonard Hudson entered the store and ordered ice cream at the lunch counter. The manager refused to serve . . . — — Map (db m292945) HM
For a time in 1955, the Bruins were managed by Pepper Martin. Pepper Martin was a colorful ball player who was called the "Wild Horse of the Osage". He played for the "Gashouse Gang", as the 1930's St. Louis Cardinals were called. He was the hero of . . . — — Map (db m256343) HM
In 1906, the Des Moines team renamed themselves the Champions, in honor of their 1905 crown. The club lived up to the difficulties inherent with such a choice by winning the pennant with ease. The team sported a 97-50, .660 record, a full 23 games . . . — — Map (db m256437) HM
The Demons were the league champions in both 1925 and 1926. In 1926 they just beat out the Oklahoma City Indians who claimed that other league teams "threw " their games with the Demons. League President Mike Sexton eventually cleared all parties. . . . — — Map (db m256414) HM
The Oaks became the Cubs in 1981. With the same name and logo, the Cubs are affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago Cubs came about their name in 1902. Chicago newspapers gave them that nickname because of all the young players on the team. . . . — — Map (db m256374) HM
Cy Young Award and MVP winner Vida Blue pitched for the Oaks in 1970 and still owns the season strikeout record here at 165. With the Oakland A's he played on three World Series winning
teams, 1972-74. Vida Blue went on to be named a six time . . . — — Map (db m256382) HM
On Court Avenue at 4th Street, on the right when traveling west on Court Avenue.
Ronald W. Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. He held the office from January 1981 to January 1989. Born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois, Reagan grew up in nearby Dixon. Upon graduation from Eureka College in 1932, friends . . . — — Map (db m295046) HM
On Southwest Water Street south of West Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, on the right when traveling north.
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 — — Map (db m236114) HM
On Pleasant Street at 9th Street, on the right when traveling east on Pleasant Street.
Project Partners
St. Paul's is grateful to many partners for their support of the Cathedral Rain Garden and Labyrinth. Special thank-yous go to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, Trees Forever, . . . — — Map (db m289429) HM
On Pleasant Street west of 12th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Blank Children's Hospital stands here today because of the generosity of A.H. and Anna Blank. The Blanks were steadfast in their philanthropic mission to build a children's hospital in memory of their son, Raymond Blank. At the time, Iowa had the . . . — — Map (db m237713) HM
On Pleasant Street west of 12th Street, on the right when traveling west.
People lived and worked here. They shopped and prayed here. They gathered here to celebrate life. Welcome to what was Iowa's most vibrant Black community the historic Center Street neighborhood, stretching from 15th Street to Keosauqua Way. . . . — — Map (db m235901) HM
The Iowa Commission for the Blind Building has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior for the work of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan,
director of the commission from 1959-1978, who made . . . — — Map (db m256459) HM
On 4th Street north of Locust Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Savery Hotel has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior - 1919 — — Map (db m256464) HM
Near University Avenue just west of 28th Street, on the right when traveling west.
The iconic Painted Street tradition has been associated with the Drake Relays since 1975. The event gathers hundreds of students and involves student organizations painting themed squares and ends with a festive paint fight. In the fall of 2018, . . . — — Map (db m193850) HM
A monument established by the citizens of Iowa to honor Iowans who served during the Vietnam War. These absent friends will never be forgotten
Abler, James L Abolins, Janis Abrahamson, Gary L Adams, Glenn A
Adams, Steven H Adams, . . . — — Map (db m41878) WM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive at Maple Street, on the right when traveling south.
A dark era befell Cambodia when the Khmer Rouge, under the dictator Pol Pot, ruled the country from 1975 to 1979. Pol Pot's genocidal regime led to the deaths of nearly 2 million people out of a population of just 7 million. So many people were . . . — — Map (db m237953) HM
On East Walnut Street 0.1 miles east of Finkbine Drive, on the left when traveling west.
Military Order of the Purple Heart
1782 1932
Dedicated to all men and women
wounded in all our wars
My stone is red for
the blood they shed.
The medal I bear
is my Country's way
to show they care.
If I could be seen
by . . . — — Map (db m42145) WM
This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Iowa by direction of The Honorable John W. Snyder Secretary of the Treasury As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive from May 16 to . . . — — Map (db m229146) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south.
Governor Robert D. Ray left a lasting mark on Iowa history during his four terms as governor. He is recognized statewide, nationally and globally for the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees and for promoting cultural awareness and . . . — — Map (db m257704) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south.
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. . . . — — Map (db m257692) HM
Front Dedicated to soldiers and patriots of the American Revolution who are buried in IowaDecember 28, 1846 Iowa Our liberties we prize our rights we will maintainReverse George Perkins, N. and S. Carolina, Lee County William . . . — — Map (db m48277) HM
On East 13th Street north of East Walnut Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
This marker is a tribute to all Iowa women who served in the Armed Forces and with the Red Cross and YMCA during World War I.
In May 1921, Iowa honored ten nurses who died in service during World War I by planting ten white birch trees to . . . — — Map (db m262523) HM
Near East Court Avenue south of Dey Street, on the right when traveling east.
In 1959, the Prefecture of Yamanashi, Japan suffered heavy damage from two typhoons, resulting in significant loss of human life, farm animals, homes and crops. An Iowan, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Tokyo at that time, wanted to help. . . . — — Map (db m236175) HM
Side 1 Early on the quiet Sunday morning of June 25, 1950 - June 24th in Washington - the North Korean Peoples Army attacked South Korea. They crossed the 38th parallel with 135,000 soldiers and 22 Russian built tanks. This action touched . . . — — Map (db m48281) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive at Maple Street, on the right when traveling south.
Fleeing Laos in the late 1970s meant fleeing bombs, chaos and terrible uncertainty. Laos was a dangerous place. Communists controlled the region, dictating to Laotian citizens precisely what they could or could not do.
The first Laotian . . . — — Map (db m257598) HM
On 12th Street south of Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
With the faith and courage of
their forefathers who made
possible the freedom of these
United States
The Boy Scouts of America
dedicate this replica of the
Statue of Liberty as a pledge
of everlasting fidelity and
loyalty . . . — — Map (db m72403) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive at E. Center Street, on the right when traveling south.
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 . . . — — Map (db m237927) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive at E. Center Street, on the right when traveling south.
Enriching the tapestry of Iowa, its culture and economy, are over 40,000 refugees who have been resettled in Iowa since the 1970s. These hard-working and family oriented individuals have become our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. Their . . . — — Map (db m257911) HM
Front 1 of 52 U.S. Submarines lost during WWII Lost on her 2nd patrol, January 20, 1942 in Makassar Strait, Indonesia. Left Image U.S. Submarine Veterans World War II In memory of all submarines and crews on eternal patrol . . . — — Map (db m48269) HM
Near East Court Avenue south of Dey Street, on the right when traveling east.
Ralph was a slave from Missouri. In 1834, he bought his freedom from his owner, a man named J. Montgomery, so he could come to Iowa to work in the lead mines near Dubuque. The cost of his independence was to be $550, plus interest. But after five . . . — — Map (db m236242) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive north of E. Center Street, on the right when traveling south.
Tai Dam are an ethnic minority group who considered Northwestern Vietnam to be their homeland. As communism descended on South Vietnam and Laos in the early 70s the Tai Dam feared retaliation for their anticommunist past. They evacuated to . . . — — Map (db m257793) HM
On Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This Boulder Commemorates The first licensed ferry at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
1847
The first Pontoon Bridge at Sycamore Street (Now Grand Avenue)
1856
The First Toll Bridge at Court Avenue
1856 — — Map (db m210314) HM
Near Robert D. Ray Drive north of E. Center Street, on the right when traveling south.
When Governor Ray watched a "60 Minute" broadcast with Ed Bradley about the plight of the Vietnamese fleeing on boats he couldn't bear to see so many people suffering and do nothing about it. He acted to save thousands of lives, especially the . . . — — Map (db m257858) HM
On Finkbine Drive north of East Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north.
Mrs. Coggeshall directed and inspired the women's suffrage movement in Iowa. She lobbied here for the vote.
Centennial of the 19th Amendment — — Map (db m229145) HM
On East Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east.
Iowa's tribute to the courage, patriotism, and distinguished service of all her soldiers and sailors who fought in the war of the rebellion 1861- 1865
Designed By Harriet A. Ketcham Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. . . . — — Map (db m42147) WM
United States Senator MDCCCXXIX MCMVIII for forty-three years A member of Congress from Iowa Oldest in service Wisest in council A friend of all — — Map (db m48275) HM
Near East Court Avenue south of Dey Street, on the right when traveling east.
Sacred to the memory of Willson Alexander Scott who gave to the State of Iowa the greater part of the land where stands the Capitol
Born in Crawford County, Indiana November 20, 1818. He acquired some five hundred acres of land . . . — — Map (db m236130) HM
Near George Flagg Parkway east of Fleur Drive, on the left when traveling south.
Through the centuries, the area that is today's Gray's Lake was part of the ever-changing course of the Raccoon River. Left behind after one such change in the Raccoon was an oxbow that would become Gray's Lake Park. Residents of Des Moines in . . . — — Map (db m236552) HM
On 17th Street south of Olive Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
A pillar of Des Moines' Black community, the Willkie House legacy dates to 1917 when it hosted the War Recreation Board's leisure programs for Black servicemen in the city. Its name and function changed in the early years, as did its location. . . . — — Map (db m235895) HM
On East 9th Street south of Thompson Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Born in Philadelphia, Ida B. Wise Smith rose to national prominence as a Iowan dedicated to the causes of women's suffrage, prohibition, and children's rights. Mrs. Smith pressed her causes in the political arena, achieving the enactment of a state . . . — — Map (db m235889) HM
On Polk Boulevard at Ingersoll Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Polk Boulevard.
The Waterbury neighborhood began in the early 1890's when the Des Moines Railway extended the trolley car line from downtown along Ingersoll Avenue to Polk Boulevard. This provided residents access to the Ingersoll Amusement Park and Greenwood . . . — — Map (db m276431) HM
Near Route 80 at milepost 147, 1.2 miles west of 112 Street NE (County Road S27), on the right when traveling west.
Historic Des Moines
The fork of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers was recognized as an ideal site a military post as early 1834. Fort Des Moines was established in 1843, but was abandoned in 1846 following the treaty whereby the Sauk and . . . — — Map (db m33009) HM
On 4th Street NW near Market Street NW, on the right when traveling west.
This church was built by Thomas Mitchell. Thomas Mitchell was born in New Hampshire in 1816. he came to Iowa Territory in 1840, and in 1844 became the first white settler of Polk County. He built cabins and later inns to feed and shelter the . . . — — Map (db m44833) HM
On Northwest Madrid Drive at Northwest Nissen Drive, on the right when traveling south on Northwest Madrid Drive.
The Josiah & Mahala Hopkins House (1848) served the community as a post office and early stagecoach stop on the route from Fort Des Moines to Fort Dodge. It was dubbed 20-Mile House for its location 20 miles from Fort Des Moines. Locally, the . . . — — Map (db m285152) HM
Near Van Dorn Street just south of South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling south.
Town Square In May 1846 George and Hester Beebe, on their way west, bought land along the banks of Big Creek from Samuel and John Hays. They established the Big Creek Settlement, some times referred to as the Beebe Settlement. The . . . — — Map (db m292797) HM
Near Fuller Road west of South 19th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Pioneers for Emancipation
The man who built this house was James Cunningham Jordan (18131891). He and his wife Melinda were the earliest settlers in Walnut Township, Iowa (now West Des Moines). When he was thirty-three Mr. Jordan built a . . . — — Map (db m236559) HM
On Railroad Place east of 5th Street, on the right when traveling east.
October 1842 Land is transferred to the United States
1845 - Iowa opened for homesteaders
Spring of 1846 - First settlers moved into Walnut Township, future site of West Des Moines
1849 - Church services began in the Jordan log cabin . . . — — Map (db m236554) HM
