POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL STUDIES --- DES MOINES, IOWA

DM Birthplace / Fort DM II Log Cabin

Restoration Begins

After 3 presentations to the DM City Council by Don Cordes, Tom Tarbox, and Peggy Jester, each of which were favorably received by the council, not only were funds approved as before, but a contractor has been chosen to complete the restoration work needed.

July 8, 2002, Peggy Jester made a presentation to the DM City Council and $48,000 was allocated for repair of the Ft. Des Moines, II cabin.

There has been talk of moving the cabin due to the ML King street work, but that is cost prohibitive, and archealogical data supports the fact that the structure is where the Ft. DM II structures would have been.

There are plans for an outdoor interpretive space on the north side of the cabin with flag poles, light, stone benches and relief plaques with historic inscriptions. The story would focus on the importance of the two rivers to the fort location; the final treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians; the lives of Captain Allen and the Dragoons; and the stories of the early settlers from 1843 to October 11, 1845 when the land officially transferred to settlers and the 26 star flag came down. We invision the cabin being open to the public on a limited basis.

The PCHS will work with allied groups; Ft. DsM Questers, DAR, Pioneer Club, etc. to obtain professional advice on development, fund raising and grant possibilities.

Cabin History

Fort Des Moines No. 2 (the second of three military installations so named in Iowa) was located at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and existed from 1843 until 1846. The present City of Des Moines traces its beginning to the old fort site. The original log buildings have long since disappeared, but a log cabin built in the mid-1800's (circa 1845) has been moved by the Polk County Historical Society to the site as a memorial to "The Birthplace of Des Moines."

Meetings

Wed., Oct. 23, 2002 4:00-5:30 P.M., Schwartz Rm., Botanical Center

The PCHS together with the Ft. DM Questers, DM Chapter Colonial Dames, DM Pioneer Club & Central IA Archeology Ass'n., Peter Goche' AIA, Principal Riverwalk, and DM Parks & Recreation and Traffic & Engineering address exterior enhancement possibilities. The next meeting in early Dec. will address interior possibilities.

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