Des Moines
is a city in King County, Washington, USA. The population was 29,267
at the 2000 census. The city has been the subject to land buyouts
because of airport noise. [1]
Des Moines is located on the east shore of Puget Sound, approximately
halfway between the major cities of Seattle and Tacoma. The city is
bordered by the suburbs of Federal Way to the south, Kent to the east,
Sea-Tac to the northeast, Burien to the north, and Normandy Park to
the northwest. It is one of the few points along this shoreline where
the topography facilitates access to the water, and a recreational
marina operated by the city, with moorage, boat launching and pier
fishing facilities, is located there. Forested Saltwater State Park
on a steep ravine between the Zenith and Redondo neighborhoods is
the most-used State Park on the Sound. Near the border of Federal
Way, Redondo Beach has a board-walk complete with a Salty's restaurant
and a pay parking lot. The town is also home to Highline Community
College.
There is no evidence that Indian tribes had permanent settlements
in Des Moines. However, there is ample evidence that the Duwamish
and Muckleshoot Indian tribes came to Des Moines for fishing and clamming.
What was to become Des Moines was first sighted by Europeans on May
26, 1792 during the exploration of British naval Captain George Vancouver
on his flagship "HMS Discovery". The first Americans to
visit the area were part of Charles Wilkes' Expedition.
The first known settler was John Moore who probably arrived about
1867. His homestead claim certificate (#285) was granted on July 2,
1872.
In 1889, the area was platted into lots for sale by the Des Moines
City Improvement Company that was incorporated by F. A. Blasher, Orin
Watts Barlow, Charles M. Johnson, and John W. Kleeb. Lumber mills
provided the community with its primary employment.
Early transportation to Des Moines was by water. The Mosquito Fleet
provided access to Seattle, Tacoma, and Vashon Island. The first road,
the Brick Highway, was completed in May 1916. The first cross-Puget
Sound automobile ferry started service from Des Moines to Portage
on November 13, 1916. This ferry service continued until September
1921. Before World War II farming fueled the local economy.
Following the war, suburbanization of the community occurred. With
increased population, the county government was unable to supply the
level of service and local control desired by Des Moines residents.
In response to this, Des Moines was officially incorporated on June
17, 1959.
The City's most visible asset is its 838-berth small boat marina that
was opened on May 10, 1970. In 1980, a 670 foot concrete and aluminum
fishing pier was built at the north end of the marina.
