Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1906-09-27
DIES MONIES IN tss,.

July 3, lS6i.--ro the Editor Of the SAN
dusky O., Register-Dear Register. Fort
Des Moines was for some time occupied
as military post and garrisoncd by Uni
tea states troops who had their barracks
ON point of bottom land at the mouth
OF the Raccoon river, narrow hut deep
and rapid stream which unites with the
Des Moines. Geographically the city Ii
OF very great dimensions; embracing, as
u does, Tom, Dick and Harry's additions,
which are stuck around on every side at
all sorts Of angles 1t is built upon n
rolling bottom which lies on both sides
OF the river. and the city also extends up
among the slopes of the bluffs which
come down toward the river In gently
Stopping ridges ana are covered with oak
aud elm OF good size for Iowa timber
The best buildings are Of brick with
IRON window caps, etc. We think they
have no good building rock In the vcn-
Ivy, az least We saw none; but the hills
are filled with coal. Upon the whole Des
Moines has city like aspect which is not
found In any other interior town. There
are few very elegant residences To be
seen, half hid In the native shrubbery of
the bluffs
Business was said 10 he dun, but we
saw considerable activity and conclude
that II IL not behind other towns In this
particular. Aside from the work being
done to complete very large hotel, to
be known as the Savery house, we saw
but little building. The hotel has been
Enclosed and the lower story occupied by
business rooms for some time and Is now
being done Off above and win be opened
In the fall,
In 1855 the legislature OF this state pass
ed resolution removing the capital OF
the state from Iowa City, where they had
a very fine state building built at great
expense to Des Moines, point which was
then little moro than respectable village
the time of removal being subject to
the order OF the governor. In 1857 the
seat of government was removed. The
capitol square Is situated on the height
OF sloping hill upon the north side OF
the river and little east of the town,
distant about three-fourths OF "a mile.
They have no state house as yet, and
Will not have very soon. The Legislature
occupies building which IL built near
the grounds, and Is designed for state
Offices when they shall build n state
house. Capitol square Is most beautiful
place and will be a fine spot for the state
house, though too far away from the city
to be convenient. 4"
Our impression OF Des Moines il, after
short stop OF twenty-four hours, that
II Is now and will be the important In
terior town In Iowa. . On the man
of Marion county, for instance. you will
find laid off in due form town known
as Divide City. Walking one morning
with friend over the heights between
the Skunk and the Des Moines. he asked
II we would like 10 see Divide City
Here" he said, pointing to a fine field
just before us, lis where | plowed under
the stakes of the city last spring" But
there were many circumstances which
mark Des Moines as growing place. II
Is at the head OF navigation on the river,
and as boats run regularly during some
parts OF the year. this alone is important.
1t will be the terminus for a time at least
of at least two important railroads, and
will ever be an important point of trade
for large and very fertile and highly
cultivated district of country; besides.
they have many advantages, such as good
water and an abundance of coal plenty
OF timber, etc If any one wishes TO live
for the next ten years where he can hlrt
with a town in her teens" we would say
go TO Des Mones
But here. with much regret. we turn
our back upon the broad and beautiful
west. which still lies far beyond us,
stretching away in all it's enchanting
loneliness toward the setting sun There
Is nothing which so enchants and exhia-
rates us as travel on the pralries, and
much as we long to be with our loved
ones at home, we turn back from our
ramble over this waste Of beauty with
feelings mingled with regret.