Des Moines, Washington
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Des Moines is a city in King County, Washington, USA. The population was 29,267 at the 2000 census.
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.
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[edit] History
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' United_States_Exploring_Expedition,_1838-1842.
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. [1]
[edit] Geography
Des Moines is located at (47.394120, -122.317983)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.4 km² (6.3 mi²), all land.
Most of the city rolls gently down to the waters of Puget Sound from an elevation of about 400 ft along the eastern city boundary on Pacific Highway, allowing many homes to enjoy an unobstructed view of the sound and Vashon Island. The ravines of Des Moines Creek and Massey Creek deeply incise this broad slope.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 29,267 people, 11,337 households, and 7,289 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,782.3/km² (4,616.5/mi²). There were 11,777 housing units at an average density of 717.2/km² (1,857.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.15% White, 7.20% African American, 0.96% Native American, 8.28% Asian, 1.34% Pacific Islander, 3.32% from other races, and 4.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.61% of the population.
There were 11,337 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $48,971, and the median income for a family was $57,003. Males had a median income of $40,007 versus $30,553 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,127. About 5.6% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Trivia
Per the city's published history, the city name is pronounced de moin' with both letters "s" being silent. Although many locals pronounce the "s" in Moines[1]
