Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines (pronounced "de Moyne") is the capital city of the state of Iowa. The census of 2000 showed that Des Moines has a population 198,682. It is the county seat of Burlington County.

It is in the south central part of the state. The Des Moines River and Raccoon River meet south of downtown and serve as the city's primary water supply.

Many insurance companies have their headquarters there.

The capitol building is one of only a few U.S. state capitol buildings with a genuine gold-plated dome.

The major interstates going to Des Moines are I-35 and I-80.

Its downtown has an extensive skywalk system.

Notable natives of Des Moines:

• Bill Bryson, author
• Simon Estes, opera singer

Sports franchises:

• Iowa Cubs baseball team (AAA affiliate of the major-league Chicago Cubs); 2001 Pacific Coast League Central Division champs.)
• Des Moines Menace soccer team
• Iowa Barnstormers arena football team

Colleges and universities:

• College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
• Des Moines Area Community College
• Drake University
• Grand View College
• Hamilton College
• Simpson College
• Des Moines University and College of Osteopathic Medicine

Civic and cultural organizations

• DAWN - Des Moines Area Writers Network -- http://www.desmoineswriters.org

contact webmaster: [email protected] contact editor: [email protected]

• IPA - Iowa Poetry Association

contact: Lucille Morgan Wilson, 2325 - 61st Street, Des Moines, IA 50322