Des Moines, Capital city in central Iowa, United States
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and sits where two rivers meet, at roughly 950 feet (290 meters) above sea level. The metropolitan area counts over 700,000 people and spreads in a wide radius around the city center.
The settlement began in 1843 when Captain James Allen oversaw the construction of a military post to control native populations. Over the following decades, it grew into the seat of state government and an economic hub for the region.
Residents gather regularly at the Farmers' Market, which serves as a central meeting point for local producers and families. On weekends, parks along the rivers fill with cyclists and walkers who use the trails for exercise and relaxation.
The city runs a bus system that connects the main neighborhoods and offers travelers an alternative to driving. Information on routes and schedules can be checked in real time via an app, which makes getting around easier.
Archaeologists discovered traces of human settlement near the city center that date back more than 7,000 years. An extensive site called the Palace yielded tools and objects from several different periods.
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