Des Moines Historical Society

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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Historical Society

The Des Moines Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Des Moines, Iowa.

We connect our city's past with its present through education and community engagement.

06/11/2026

Throwback Thursday🛤️

Did you know that Ingersoll Ave. was named for Ebeneezer Jared Ingersoll, an Easterner who came to Des Moines and founded the Hawkeye Insurance Company? He also had extensive farm holdings in the area.

The development of the Ingersoll Ave. corridor was closely tied to the growth of the Ingersoll Pl. Plat, which was officially created by the Des Moines Life Insurance Company on September 28, 1906. Around the same time, the Ingersoll Run sewer line was placed under contract, bringing sewer service to the north side of Des Moines.

Early residential development began near Ingersoll Park, the amusement park located at 42nd St. and Ingersoll until 1911. Housing construction then moved east from the park, contrary to the city's general east-to-west pattern of development. The presence of the Ingersoll Ave. streetcar line, which had been operating since 1897, also made the area attractive for residential growth.

Today, the Ingersoll Pl. Plat Historic District remains notable for its concentration of bungalows, square houses, mature oak tree canopies, and original neighborhood character that reflect the early development of this important Des Moines corridor. Pieces of steel from the original streetcar lines are now preserved at the Waveland Trolley Loop Monument, helping keep the history of this transportation era alive.

06/10/2026

Trivia Tuesday Answer 🎢
The answer is Ingersoll Park!

Bonus answer: 30,000 people were predicted to show up on opening day

Known as the "Coney Island of the West," Ingersoll Park was one of Des Moines' most popular attractions in the early 1900s. The three-block-long amusement park covered 7 acres east of Polk Boulevard between Grand and Ingersoll avenues and featured the city's first roller coaster, a merry-go-round, three elephants, and a theater that eventually seated 3,200 people.

The park welcomed famous visitors including French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt and President Theodore Roosevelt, who spoke there in 1903. One of the park's biggest attractions occurred when Hagenbeck's elephants were given a bath in the park lake, drawing a crowd of 44,000 people.

Operated by the Des Moines Street Railway Co., the park was created to encourage trolley ridership and became one of the city's premier entertainment destinations before closing in 1912 when its land lease expired.

06/09/2026

Trivia Tuesday 🎉

More than 100 years ago, a three-block-long venue covering 7 acres of rolling topography east of Polk Boulevard between Grand and Ingersoll avenues was known as the "Coney Island of the West."

It featured Des Moines' first roller coaster, a merry-go-round, three elephants, and a bandstand where French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt once performed and President Theodore Roosevelt spoke in 1903.

What was the name of this Des Moines attraction?

Bonus Question: How many people did the Des Moines Register predict would attend on opening day in 1907?

06/04/2026

ThrowbackThursday ⛳

Waveland Golf Course has been a part of Des Moines history for more than 122 years. The land was deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll, and the course was officially dedicated in 1901, designed by Warren Dickson.

Known as one of the oldest golf courses in the country and the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi, Waveland has welcomed legendary players such as Arnold Palmer and Billy Casper. Many of the original greens, fairways, and tee areas remain in use today.

The grounds also hold unique pieces of history, including remnants of a trolley car rail track near the parking lot entrance and the Drake University Observatory designed by John Wetherell.

06/03/2026

Tuesday Trivia Answer 🌹

The answer is Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden!

In 1914, the Des Moines Garden Club, which had just 400 members, raised funds to help support the design of the park and the construction of the Rose Garden.

In 1932, Greenwood Park was officially designated as a “Floral Park.”

Over the years, the park became a popular gathering place for community events and theater performances. During the winter months, visitors enjoyed ice skating, and the park shelter was heated by a coal-fired furnace until 1980.

🌹🏛️✨

06/02/2026

Trivia Tuesday 🤔

In 1914, the Des Moines Garden Club raised funds to help design a feature in one of the first public parks in Iowa. What was that feature?

❓ Bonus Question: How many members were in the Des Moines Garden Club at the time?

💬 Drop your guess in the comments below!

✅ Answer revealed tomorrow.

05/28/2026

Throwback Thursday 🚒

In the early 1900s, the Des Moines Fire Department’s most celebrated horse team was a pair known as Jack and Jack.

Stationed on the east side, the team became known for their speed and reliability, answering alarms day after day and competing in firemen’s tournaments across the Midwest.

In 1904, they earned recognition as “World’s Champions” after taking first place at a tournament in Council Bluffs.

Even after motorized equipment replaced horse teams, Jack and Jack remained a symbol of pride for the department and the city.

05/27/2026

Tuesday Trivia Answer: Greenwood Park! 🌳

Greenwood Park opened to the public in 1894 after the City of Des Moines purchased land that had already been partially developed as a private park. Early visitors enjoyed canoeing, fishing, picnics, and even seeing elk and bison that lived in the park in the early 1900s.

Over the years, additional features were added including Ashworth Pool, the Sylvan Theater, the Rose Garden, and eventually the Des Moines Art Center.

05/26/2026

Trivia Tuesday 🧐✨

What Des Moines park was once home to elk, bison, canoeing, fishing, and one of the city’s earliest public lakes?

Bonus points if you know what year it first opened to the public!

Drop your guesses below 👇

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Des Moines, IA

Website

http://DesMoinesHistoricalSociety.org/

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