1792Military
== History ==
What was to become Des Moines was first explored by Europeans on May 26, 1792, during the exploration of British naval Captain George Vancouver on his flagship HMS...
1867History
The first known settler was John Moore, who probably arrived circa 1867.
1872History
His homestead claim certificate (#285) was granted on July 2, 1872.
1889Government
In 1889 the area was platted into lots and sold by the Des Moines Improvement Company, which had been incorporated by F.
1916Architecture
The first road, the Brick Highway, was completed in May 1916.
1921History
This ferry service continued until September 1921.
1959Government
In response to these needs, Des Moines was officially incorporated on June 17, 1959.
1969Disaster
On December 12, 1969, an F3 tornado injured one person near Saltwater State Park.
1970Architecture
The city's most visible asset is its 838-berth small boat marina, that was opened on May 10, 1970.
1980Architecture
In 1980, a 670-foot (200 m) concrete and aluminum fishing pier was built at the northern end of the marina.
1982Government
On November 22, 1982, Des Moines annexed the nearby community of Zenith, a farming community founded in 1906 that later became a bedroom community for Boeing workers.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the 2000 census, there were 29,267 people, 11,337 households, and 7,289 families residing in the city.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the 2010 census, there were 29,673 people, 11,664 households, and 7,249 families residing in the city.
2018History
The nearest Link light rail station is Angle Lake, which is connected to downtown Des Moines by a shuttle bus that debuted in 2018.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== Racial and ethnic composition ===
=== 2020 census ===
As of the 2020 census, there were 32,888 people, 12,423 households, and 7,854 families residing ...
2022History
=== American Community Survey ===
As of the 2022 American Community Survey, there are 12,369 estimated households in Des Moines with an average of 2.57 persons per household.
2026Education
Sound Transit plans to open the Kent Des Moines light rail station near Highline College in 2026 as part of a Link light rail extension to Federal Way.