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West Des Moines, Iowa

Located in Polk/Dallas County, Iowa, West Des Moines was established in 1893. Originally called Valley Junction before renaming. Wells Fargo and Hy-Vee have major facilities here.

Founded 1893 | Population 73,000 | Peak 73,000 (2024) | County Polk/Dallas County

Top 10 Most Important Events for West Des Moines, Iowa

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1890 Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define West Des Moines's character and economy.

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1893 Valley Junction: Railroad community.

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1938 Renamed: Becomes West Des Moines.

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2000 Corporate Hub: Insurance/financial companies.

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Latest News in West Des Moines

Jan 28, 2016

Trump Takes Risk Skipping Debate Challenging Murdoch

DES MOINES, Iowa — On January 28, 2016, Donald Trump made a bold call that shook up the Republican primary race: he skipped a ke…

Jan 25, 2016

Jeb Bush Polling One Percent Iowa and 4 Percent Florida

WASHINGTON — Jeb Bush’s presidential bid hit a rough patch on January 25, 2016, as polls showed him languishing at just 1 …

Complete Historical Timeline

1890 Culture

Higher Education

1893 Transport

Valley Junction

1938 Government

Renamed

2000 Business

Corporate Hub

Did You Know?

Originally called Valley Junction before renaming.

Wells Fargo and Hy-Vee have major facilities here.

Jordan Creek Town Center is the largest mall in Iowa.

West Des Moines is located in Polk/Dallas County, Iowa.

West Des Moines was founded in 1893.

Famous People from West Des Moines, Iowa

Peter Hedges

Screenwriter, Writer · Born Jul 6, 1962 · Age 63

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