Iowa State Fairgrounds

Known around the world, the Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the United States. It was established in 1854 and has been held in Des Moines since 1879. It is 450 acres in size and features several historic structures, the oldest of which date to 1886 (some buildings were moved to the fairgrounds from around the state). These include Pioneer Hall, the Agricultural Building, the Livestock Pavilion, the Grandstand, the Fish and Game Pavilion, and barns. The fair features one of the world's biggest livestock shows and the largest art show in Iowa. The fairgrounds was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as the Iowa State Fairgrounds Historic District.

The first state fair was held in the town of Fairfield on October 25 to 27 in 1854 and it was run by the newly created State Agricultural Society. It was six acres in size and featured a 1,500-foot track, temporary sheds for livestock, and a tent for exhibits. It was estimated that seven to eight thousand people attended. In the coming years, the fair was held in Muscatine, Oskaloosa, Iowa City, Dubuque, Burlington, Clinton, Keokuk, and Cedar Rapids.

The idea for moving the fair to a central, permanent location in the state originated in 1855 by the president of the State Agricultural Society, Thomas Clagett. Des Moines was chosen and the fair relocated in 1879. However, the state legislature did not appropriate funds for it until 1885. Over time, the fairgrounds grew. Infrastructure, including paved streets with curbs, a sewer system, and street lighting were added, and newer buildings with steel frames, such as the Agricultural Building, were built in the early 1900s. Modern buildings have been erected in recent years.

"Historical Highlights of the Iowa State Fair." Iowa State Fair. 2021. https://storage.googleapis.com/bgd-sites/isf/Historical-Highlights-2021-Final-lowres.pdf.

"Iowa State Fair History." Iowa State Fair. Accessed January 31, 2022. https://www.iowastatefair.org/about/history-museum.

Page, William C. et al. "Iowa State Fair And Exposition Grounds Historic District." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. September 14, 1987. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_IA/87000014.pdf.