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For more information about the history of the railroad in Iowa, check out this book by H. Roger Grant.

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Iowa Railroads: The Essays of Frank P. Donovan, Jr.

Completed in 1916, the Northwestern Hotel served the needs of the railroad employees who traveled frequently and needed an affordable place to stay while in the city on business. The hotel included a restaurant and drug store. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, the site holds retail space and offices. 

Northwestern Hotel

This walking tour starts at the East Union Depot and works its way to the State Historical Society of Iowa Museum and Archives and the Capitol. The tour includes several historic buildings as well as landmarks, museums, and monuments.

Des Moines History Tour - East Village and the Iowa State Capitol Complex

This rail depot was completed in 1909 and served passengers before it was converted to a storage facility for produce in the 1920s. Around 1950, the depot was boarded up, sealed,&nbsp;insulated and fitted with refrigeration equipment. At that time&nbsp;a larger steel and concrete block building was built adjoining to it through the main entrance on the north. That building was removed in October of 2017 and all utilities were disconnectedThe building is one of only two extant railroad depots in the city and many feared that the building would be lost prior to the efforts of preservationists. In order to save the depot from being torn down to make way for new construction, the Des Moines Heritage Trust (DMHT) raised $500,000 in private and public funds to purchase the historic train depot. Fundraising continues and the organization hopes to raise an additional $3 million to build the event center&nbsp;and restore the depot. The organization is selling personalized bricks for the plaza as one of the fund-raising efforts.&nbsp;The depot is one of only a few Flemish Renaissance-style depots still standing in the United States, the architecture of the building will be preserved and transformed into a space where Des Moines history can be preserved and showcased. As the depot becomes the Des Moines Heritage Center it will house a museum and create a home for local heritage organizations like the Des Moines Historical Society and the Des Moines Rehabbers Club.To build the museum, the DMHT plans to work with the heritage organizations to determine what types of artifacts are available, and how they can be&nbsp;incorporated with technology so that interactivity is encouraged between the museum space and each visitor, and more information is shared.&nbsp;Because the building is relatively small,&nbsp; the organization hopes to incorporate technology to maximize the value of the space, including an area that offers short film documentaries and oral histories, and a space where users can access digitalized photographs and databases. The organization also hopes to construct an event center next to the depot for cultural and community events.&nbsp;The organization plans to&nbsp;begin the construction and renovation phases of the depot building and event center in June of 2018, with expected completion and opening in the summer of 2019. BNIM architects are currently working on the design for both the historic renovation of the depot and the details of the event center.&nbsp;

The 1909 East Des Moines Union Depot served passengers on the east side of Des Moines. Located in the Market District south of the Historic East Village, in the 1920s it was converted to a storage facility and was considered one of the most endangered buildings in the city. As the East Village and Market District undergo redevelopment to become popular destinations, developers are quickly buying land. To save the depot, the Des Moines Heritage Trust purchased the historic train depot and are working to restore the structure which is one of a few Flemish Renaissance-style depots still standing. Members plan to use this former depot as the future home of the Des Moines Heritage Center which will offer displays and programs dedicated to the history of the city. At that time, the building will include a museum and a home for local heritage organizations like the Des Moines Historical Society and the Des Moines Rehabbers Club.  

East Union Depot

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. there is a Museum Trek enabling visitors to get up close and view historic treasures while learning more about them. One famous example is the very same American flag that was at the Battle of Fort Donelson. It belonged to Voltaire P. Twombly who was one of Iowa's first citizens to receive a Medal of Honor. This was on account of his determination to hold the colors high as the battle raged about him.

Iowa’s State Museum and Archive highlights the state’s natural and political history across 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. More than 60,000 visitors have viewed its rich collection of artifacts and documents. It records the lives of the rich and famous and of criminals and heroes. It has key exhibits focusing on Iowa's role in the Civil War; these include cannons, uniforms, guns and photographs that help visitors learn about the sacrifices made by civilians and soldiers during that period. In all, the museum contains 80,000 artifacts and about 1,500 of these are on display. Many items can be viewed on the museum's online catalog. The Society also operates two research centers, a preservation office, and eight historic sites, in addition to the museum.

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum and Archives

Creation of the Iowa Holocaust MemorialWith around 2,800 Jewish citizens living in Des Moines and even&nbsp;fewer Holocaust survivors, the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines felt that the study of the Holocaust in school districts was waning and that the memory of the Holocaust needed to be preserved.&nbsp;The Jaqueline and Myron Blank Fund put the project together, and with the approval of the Iowa State Capital Planning Commission and the architectural firm “Confluence: Architecture and Urban Design” designing the structure, groundbreaking for the project was able to happen on May 14th, 2013.&nbsp;By October 23rd of that year, the city held a dedication ceremony in which over 200 people from across the state attended. The four walls of the Memorial are lined up in a slightly curved fashion, and they feature stories, quotes, and 13 photographs. Twelve of these pictures are reproduced courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Photographic Archives in Washington D.C., while the 13th is reproduced courtesy of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society.1&nbsp;The Iowa Holocaust Memorial was the first to be built on State Capitol grounds. Since its completion, the City of Columbus built a memorial on the Ohio State Capitol grounds.2Inscriptions on the MemorialOne inscription on the Memorial reads:&nbsp;

















“My mother and father brought my brother and me as young children to Iowa in 1949 after President Truman authorized immigration from the displaced persons' camps. My parents didn’t speak English. We came by train with a tag that indicated that “Des Moines” was to be our destination. Dad had an 8th-grade formal education but was certified by the DP camp in cabinetry, so that he would have a way to make a living. Once in Des Moines, we were assisted, in particular, by the members of the Jewish community who helped us adapt to the customs and culture of Iowa. My parents were very appreciative at having been accepted as Iowans. They were grateful to the U.S. and British troops that saved them. When my parents became U.S. citizens in 1955, citizenship was conferred upon us children as well. Jacob Shnurman, Des Moines – child of survivors.”

Located on the grounds of the West Terrace at the State Capitol, the Iowa Holocaust Memorial carries the proud role of being Iowa's most influential dedication commemorating the millions of victims, including six million Jews, that were murdered at the hands of Nazis and their collaborators in World War II. 

Although Des Moines is home to only a small Jewish population, local community leaders felt prompted to erect this monument as the few local Holocaust survivors were reaching old age. The plans for the monument were approved by the Iowa State Planning Commission and the project was created by the Jaqueline and Myron Blank Fund of Des Moines. 

The Memorial was completed in 2013, and it features four aluminum walls engraved with both inscriptions and photographs. With education initiatives provided by the Iowa Council for Holocaust Education and the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, the Memorial also serves as a resource for students and educators. 

 The Iowa Holocaust Memorial

Construction and Dedication of the Monument
The War of the Rebellion Monument, or Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, stands as a memorial to Iowan men and women who fought in the Civil War. Due to refunded war taxes as well as donations and other funds, the State of Iowa decided to build this dedication, and the construction of the monument was approved back in 1888.&nbsp;Harriet A. Ketcham, notable sculptor who studied under the instruction of some of the most famous sculptors in Rome, Italy, submitted her designs for the monument, and out of the 47 applicants, her designs won the competition. Before construction could began, Ketcham died in 1890. Denmark-native Carl Rohl-Smith was retained to complete the monument and see Ketcham’s design’s to fruition.&nbsp;With approval, a design, and a location in place, the city then laid the first cornerstones of the monument in 1894. Only two years later, the entire monument was completed. However, the completion of the monument didn’t coincide with a dedication ceremony, as controversies erupted over the location and many of the artistic details of the monument. Because of the controversy, including the nude “Mother Iowa,” formal dedication of the monument didn’t occur until 1945, during the last months of WWII.
Features of the Monument
Several features and engravings of both real and symbolic elements makes this monument one of the most in-depth Civil War memorial statues in the area. Atop the monument, “Victory” stands tall with two palm froths in each hand as a symbol of peace. Four equestrians are depicted around the base of the tower, all of which showcase famed Iowan Generals. Below the generals&nbsp;on the upper-base of the monument, four soldiers represent the different branches of the military, including infantry soldier, a sailor, an artilleryman, and a calvary man.1
The inscription on the front of the monument reads, “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.
The inscription on the back reads, “Designed By Harriet A. Ketcham MT. Pleasant, Iowa. Located and erected by act of The 24th General Assembly. Approved April 7th. 1892.”2

Nestled on the green fields between the Iowa State Capitol and the Judicial Branch Building, several historical monuments provide the ideal backdrop for a sunny afternoon picnic or a lazy day of leisure. However, out of the many statues in this small space, the War of the Rebellion Monument towers over the rest with its sheer size and intricate design. 

More commonly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, this 135-foot monument dating back to 1894 pays tribute to the nearly 80,000 Iowan Men who fought in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Iowa contributed to the largest number of soldiers per capita of any state participating during the war, and noted Iowa generals as well as significant battle scenes are featured around the base. 

Additionally, on the north side of the statue, visitors can discover the nude woman portraying Iowa as a mother offering nourishment for her children, and on the south side, the “History” figure gazes into the future. Topping the monument is the “Victory” statue, who holds palm fronds in each hand as a symbol of peace.

War of the Rebellion Monument (Soldiers and Sailors Monument)

Revolutionary War Veterans in Iowa
Iowa didn’t become a state until 1846, and the first (official) white settlers in the region started coming in&nbsp;1833. Additionally, the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, which puts a 63-year gap between Iowa’s statehood and the end of the war.&nbsp;Thus, it can be hard to believe that there were any Revolutionary War veterans who lived in the state. It is important to remember, however, that many of the soldiers who fought in the war were quite young, often between 14- and 16-years-old. Many of the veterans who survived the war and moved west lived to be around 80.&nbsp;Because of the wandering spirit of many of these vets as well as&nbsp;their appropriate ages, it&nbsp;does make sense that some soldiers were buried in Iowa. According to an article published in the Des Moines Register at an unknown date,&nbsp;there are at least 39 Revolutionary War veterans who were buried&nbsp;in the state (perhaps more, as second burial sites were popular as some families moving west brought their dead with them).
One woman who gathered information and created a list of Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the state was Mrs. Shepherd, who was the wife of a former state representative. Between the 1840s and 1850s, Mrs. Shepherd did considerable work on Iowa census records. From her records, it was clear that many of the veterans lived to an old age. A Benjamin Bell, from Pennsylvania, was born in 1751 and died in Webster County, Iowa, in 1853 (making him 102-years-old). Others on the list created by Mrs. Shepherd included:&nbsp;
Timothy Brees, New Jersey private, died in Lee County at 86 in 1847, buried in Lost Creek Cemetery 5 miles north of Fort Madison.
Nathaniel Fellows, New Hampshire private, died at 79 in Johnson County in 1837. Highway went over his grave site and there is a memorial stone along Highway 6 at Coralville.
Abraham Horshe, Pennsylvania militia. Was living at 83 year of age in 1850 in city of Muscatine. Grave unlocated.
Mrs. Shepherd tried locating all Revolutionary War vets in the 1850s, but she stated that the graves of many veterans will never be located.1&nbsp;
Inscription on the Memorial
Front
Dedicated to soldiers
and patriots of the
American Revolution
who are buried in Iowa
December 28, 1846
Iowa
Our liberties we
prize our rights
we will maintain 
Reverse
George Perkins, N. and S. Carolina, Lee County
William Potter, Virginia, Jackson County
Sampson Price, Virginia, Louisa County
Thomas Rhodes, Virginia, Van Buren County
Achilles Rogers, Virginia, Keokuk County
Richard Scarrem, Vermont, Makaska County
Charles Shepherd, Pennsylvania, Henry County
William Sinkey, Pennsylvania, Jackson County
Lawrence Van Hook, New Jersey, Jackson County
Frederick Ware, Pennsylvania, Des Moines County
Jacob Wiley, New York, Jefferson County
Nathan Winton, Connecticut, Davis County
Jonathon Woody, North Carolina, Wapello County

At first glance, it might seem that Iowa and the Revolutionary War had very little in common. Therefore, the Iowa Revolutionary War Monument may seem out of place on the State Capitol grounds. 

Located just west of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, the Iowa Revolutionary War Monument commemorates the 39 Revolutionary War veterans who are buried in the State of Iowa. This monument features 13 granite pillars dedicated to the original 13 colonies of the United States, and each pillar carries an inscribed patriotic quotation. 

A central obelisk includes the names of the soldiers, where in Iowa they were buried, and where they were born. Surrounding the pillars includes planted wild roses, Iowa’s state flower. 

Iowa Revolutionary War Monument

Building of the Monument&nbsp;
Although born in Perry Ohio, William Boyd Allison would eventually become one of the early leaders of the Iowa Republican Party, and from 1873 to 1908, Allison was elected to the U.S. Senate six times.&nbsp;Allison’s political career was marked by success and pragmatism, and he was considered among many to be sage-like and one of the most responsible statesman in the government. His role as a centrist also made him accessible to both Democrats and Republicans.1&nbsp;During the 1908 Senate race, Allison died in his home in Dubuque, and at the suggestion of General Grenville M. Dodge, the state began collecting&nbsp;funds to erect a fitting memorial at the Iowa State capital. By 1912, Treasurer of State Hon W. W. Morrow advised the commission tasked with the memorial that over $40,000 had been raised.&nbsp;With the money ready, the commission had then to find an artist who could accurately and honorably depict the life of a man who had an intimate association with every president from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt.2
Evelyn Beatrice Longman
The committee tasked with creating the Allison Monument found the ideal sculptor to depict the man’s eventful life through Evelyn Beatrice Longman. Since arriving in New York in 1901, Longman had already established herself as one of the foremost sculptors in the United States.&nbsp;Her debut piece, “Victory,” was displayed at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and her work was considered to be innovative, inventive, and deserving of a place of honor atop the Fair’s centerpiece building, Festival Hall.&nbsp;Longman had several other famous works between 1904 and 1915, and by 1916, she was tasked with creating the Allison Monument.3

Immediately south of the State Capitol, several monuments on the Capitol grounds pay tribute to some of the most important figures, events, and ideals related to Iowa history. Although the Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Monument stands above the rest, one of the most stunning and eye-catching structures is the Allison Monument. 

This monument commemorates the work of famed U.S. Senator William Boyd Allison, who served in Congress for over 43 years. During Allison’s time as a pivotal figure for the Iowa Republican Party, Allison ran twice for president and was an intimate associate of every president from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt. 

Featuring the designs and work of Evelyn Beatrice Longman, the first ever woman sculptor elected to the National Academy of Design in 1919, the Allison Monument features a central plaque picturing Allison as well as statues depicting “Knowledge” on one side and “Peace” on the other. Topping this monument and sitting on a throne is the stunning symbol of “The Republic.”

Allison Monument

Ola Babcock Miller Ola Babcock Miller was born on March 1, 1871 in Washington County, Iowa. She and her family moved to the city of Washington where she spent the rest of her childhood. She attended Wesleyan College and became a teacher. she married newspaper editor Alex Miller who was also active in the Democratic Party. They raised two daughters (sadly, a son died as a baby) and Ola took up painting as a hobby. She also became an active supporter of the suffrage movement (which championed&nbsp;women's right to vote), was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was active in the Democratic Party and continued to do so after Alex died in 1927. In 1932, the Democratic Party named her as a candidate for the Iowa Secretary of State as a reward for her long-time support. Her association with Alex gave her notoriety and name recognition. She won by a slim margin, just under 3,000 votes, but was easily reelected in 1934 and 1936. The death of a good friend's son in a car accident prompted her to advocate for the establishment of a state road patrol. In 1935, the governor signed legislation that established a 50-member patrol within Iowa's motor vehicle department, which was under Miller's jurisdiction. The patrol was very successful. Interestingly, Miller's son-in-law, George Gallup, would establish the Gallup Poll, which is one of the more famous national polls today. Miller worked extremely hard and was constantly on the road to give lectures around the state. This took a toll on her health and she&nbsp;died of pneumonia on January 25, 1937. In 1975, she was one of the first women to be inducted into the Iowa&nbsp;Women's Hall of Fame. In 1999, the building was renamed after her to honor her legacy and contributions to Iowa. It was renovated in 2002 and houses other state offices in addition to the State Library.

The Ola Babcock Miller Building, which is home to the State Library of Iowa, was built in stages between 1899 and 1910. The west wing was the first section to be completed followed by the central and eastern sections. Des Moines architect Oliver O. Smith designed it in the Beaux Arts style and features a portico, two Ionic columns, a dome, and numerous other architectural features. The building's original purpose was to house the State Historical Department, which was founded in 1892 and for the first few years was located in the State Capitol building across the street. The department moved to finished west wing of the Ola Babcock Miller Building in 1900. The building is named after politician Ola Babcock Miller (1871-1937), who was the elected Iowa Secretary of State in 1932, the first woman in the state to serve in this role. She is best known for creating Iowa Highway Patrol, which significantly reduced accidents on highways.  

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Des Moines History Tour - East Village and the Iowa State Capitol Complex

Northwestern Hotel

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