City history
Explore the evolution of Des Moines, from its French-named river origins to its development as a vital Midwestern capital and transport hub.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"of the monks"
The earliest documented name for the area refers to the Des Moines River. A specific indigenous name for the site of the modern settlement is not reliably documented in historical records.
of the monks
The name was officially adopted alongside the city's designation as the state capital.
Chapter two
The adoption of standardized time by railroad companies brought Des Moines into the Central Time Zone.
The United States underwent various legislative experiments with year-round daylight saving time, affecting Iowa's seasonal shifts.
Chapter three
Des Moines was officially designated as the capital of the newly admitted state of Iowa.
The settlement was officially incorporated, establishing its local government and legal framework.
The implementation of standard time revolutionized local transit scheduling and synchronization.
The city underwent significant infrastructure expansion to support its growing role in the Midwest.