Built in the 1840s by Col. Andrew McFarland Thompson, “Thompson Place” was the first frame dwelling built in Polk County. A log cabin first marked the spot with later additions added and then the log home was torn down, according to a Des Moines Tribune 1926 article. In the early days of Des Moines, it was the gathering place for young people. The area is now part of Union Park. Des Moines Register File Photo

This water tower on Seventeenth Street, between Center and Crocker Streets, held an average of 500,000 gallons of water continually. The water tower was built during the winter of 1890-1891 and was used until 1931. It was eventually torn down by having to use torches to melt rivets so that its sections could be lowered. Des Moines Register File Photo

This home at 1301-1303 E. Gran

See Full Page