United States Post Office

The United States Post Office is a federal building in Des Moines featuring limestone walls on a granite base, with tall columns and large semi-circular arched windows across its exterior. The steel frame construction displays classical architectural details typical of government buildings from that era.

Construction of the building began in 1909 and finished in 1910 following congressional funding approval. The project emerged during a period when the United States invested significantly in federal infrastructure to modernize its administrative systems.

The building reflects the City Beautiful Movement as the second structure in the Civic Center district, shaping how Des Moines developed its government buildings. It shows how early planning ideals influenced the city's design.

The building is located in the Civic Center district and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should know that it now houses county offices and the Polk County Heritage Gallery, making it accessible for cultural visits during operating hours.

The building received individual recognition by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, an honor not all structures from its time achieved. Its designer James Knox Taylor was a prominent architect of federal buildings who shaped government design across multiple cities.