Des Moines, Iowa Governor James W. Grimes declared Des Moines to be the state capital in 1857, and governmental papers and functions were moved there. The temporary Capitol remained in operation for 30 years until it was destroyed by fire, although in the interim, the new Capitol was being designed and built. The current Iowa State Capitol is a magnificent Greek Revival structure that was completed in 1855. It was originally known as the "Capitol Building" because that is what its first owner intended it to be used for - a building with legislative chambers. But when the new governor ordered the removal of the existing walls to make more room for offices, galleries, and other facilities, a statehouse was also created out of this action. Today, the capitol serves as both a meeting place for the Iowa General Assembly and a residence for the governor. There are actually two United States Congresses represented in Iowa: a House district and a Senate district. The state is divided into three congressional districts, which are drawn by a federal court system. Each district has equal representation in the House of Representatives, and one senator is elected from each district. Voters can influence which party controls each chamber by voting for individual candidates or parties. Both the Iowa House and Senate have 100 seats. Seats are apportioned based on population, with some exceptions.