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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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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.
