Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1843, the city has grown to a population of approximately 214,133 residents within a state of 3,190,369 people. As both the largest city and capital of Iowa, Des Moines serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.

The city is home to the Iowa State Capitol, a Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1886. Designed by Alfred H. Piquenard and John C. Cochrane, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Des Moines has served as the capital of Iowa since 1857. Before Des Moines, the state's capital was located in Burlington and Iowa City.

The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines is distinguished by its five domes, the most of any state capitol in the nation. The central dome is covered in 23-karat gold leaf and rises 275 feet above the ground, flanked by four smaller corner domes with oxidized copper finishes. The building is constructed from Iowa stone, granite, and steel and features an elaborately painted interior with murals and mosaics.

Notable Features

• Five domes -- the most of any U.S. state capitol
• Central dome covered in 23-karat gold leaf
• Four corner domes with oxidized copper finishes
• Elaborate interior murals and mosaics
• Grand staircase of imported marble
• Law library with spiral iron staircases and cast-iron columns