Des Moines and Polk County: Flag on the Prairie

Des Moines, the county seat of Polk County, began as an Indian Agency and Army post in 1843. In the succeeding 145 years Polk County shed its military origins to become the leading county in Iowa. As the county seat and, beginning in 1857, the state capital, Des Moines soon became the center for Iowa politics, population, and commerce. Polk County pioneers indeed planted their "flag on the prairie." So writes author Barbara Beving Long in the introduction to Des Moines and Polk County : Flag on the Prairie. Iowa began as and remains a national focal point. In 1843 a treaty with the Sauk and Mesquakie Indians made way for settlement west fo the Red Rock Line. Settlers scrambled to state claims on the fertile, rolling prairie. From that point, Iowa experienced tremendous development. A network of roads and rail lines made Des Moines a hub for travel, and a stopping point for pioneers heading west. Rich mineral resources and prime farming acreage continued to draw more settlers to the area in 1910 Des Moines was the leading insurance center in the country after Hartford, Connecticut. Today Polk County is still alive and growing. Fourteen pages of color bring to life the beauty of Polk County, in addition to historical pictures research by the author. The chapter entitles "Partners in Progress," by Denny Rehder, chronicles the development of the organizations and businesses that continue to contribute to the history of Polk County.