Old Downtown Des Moines
Explore the history of downtown Des Moines, an area considered today's city center as much as it was in pioneering days.
location_fill Start tour15 stops
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1
Baker Barb Wire vs. Knights of Laborlocation_fillGeorge C. Baker of Polk City, Iowa, invented Baker Barbed Wire, manufactured it in Des Moines, and before too …
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2
Demoine Houselocation_fillA fashionable hotel known as the Demoine House once stood at First and Walnut Streets, which is now where the … -
3
George Conradi's Saloonlocation_fillIn the late 1800s, a notorious establishment stood at 212 Walnut Street: George Conradi’s Saloon. A saloon in … -
4
Tone Broslocation_fillIn April of 1873, two men from New York, along with their families, stepped off the Keokuk & Des Moines rail l… -
5
Jewett Typewriter Companylocation_fillMany people in the Des Moines area associate the Jewett name with Gilcrest Jewett Lumber, but George Jewett, a… -
6
Des Moines Saddlery Buildinglocation_fillThe Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Co. building has housed many businesses over the years and managed to … -
7
Romano Fruit Standlocation_fillAccording to a Des Moines Register article, Egidio Romano came to Des Moines from Italy by way of Omaha, Kansa… -
8
Iowa Bystanderlocation_fillThe Iowa State Bystander was established in Des Moines in 1894 as a four-page weekly to serve as the voice of … -
9
Hierb's Saloonlocation_fillOn the northwest corner of Second and Walnut was the site of Joseph Hierb’s Saloon. Hierb and his brother star… -
10
Younkers Department Storelocation_fill1854 - Teenagers Marcus, Lipman, and Samuel Younker move to the United States from Lipno, Poland. 1856 – Lipm… -
11
Harbach Loftslocation_fillThe history of Harbach Lofts began more than 100 years ago with the beginning of Harbach Furniture. As shown i… -
12
Aulmann's Brewerylocation_fillOne of the earliest breweries was established by Frank Spitz near River, Second and Elm, on the Raccoon River.… -
13
White Star Laundrylocation_fillAt the turn of the 20th Century, many Des Moines residents sent their laundry out be laundered by others. Whit… -
14
Amend's Meatslocation_fillAmend’s high quality meat has been a culinary treat for the city of Des Moines since founder Conrad Amend open… -
15
History of the Rowat Cut Stone Co.location_fillA history of the Rowat Cut Stone Company should begin many years back. In fact, in 1850 a boy was born into a …
15 mapped stops