Origin of the name "Des Moines"

Some people feel that 'Des Moines' is derived from the Indian word 'moingona' meaning river of the mounds which referred to the burial mounds that were located near the banks of the river. Others are of the opinion that name applies to the Trappiest Monks (Moines de la Trappe) who lived in huts at the mouth of the Des Moines river. French voyagers referred to the river as La Riviere des Moines. The consensus seems to be that Des Moines is a variation of Moingona, Moingonan, Moingoun, Mohingona, or Moningounas, as shown on early maps.

Insurance is Big Business

Des Moines also has gained national recognition as a major insurance center (the third largest in the world) with nearly 60 life, health, and casualty companies.

Potato Chips Rule

The residents of the Des Moines metro area consume more potato chips per capita than any other metro area in the nation. (More than 11 pounds per year.)

One of the 50 Sweetest Spots in America, by Hershey's Foods

Des Moines ranks fourth out of 1,000 entries. The top-five awards were given to (1) Seattle, Washington, (2) Boston, Massachusetts, (3) Savannah, Georgia, (4) Des Moines, Iowa, and (5) Cleveland, Ohio. The criteria used in determining the "50 Sweetest Cities" are: Per capita spending on fun and recreational activities.

Publishers on the Prairie

One of the largest magazine publishers in the nation is headquartered in Des Moines. In 2002, the Meredith Corporation, a publicly held media and marketing company, celebrates its 100th anniversary. Popular magazines published by Meredith include Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies' Home Journal.