Des Moines, Iowa is the most populous city in the State of Iowa and also serves as the capital. Parts of the city of Des Moines reaches in the County of Warren, whilst the majority sits in Polk County. The city was incorporated officially as Fort Des Moines, in September 22, 1851. In 1857, the name was shortened to "Des Moines," and was named after the Des Moines River. This name may have been adopted from the French Rivière Des Moines, which translates literally to "River of the Monks." According to the census of 2010, the population of the city proper was roughly 203,400.
The city of Des Moines has become a major center for the insurance industry, publishing businesses and it likewise has financial services on a large scale. The city of Des Moines has been voted as the "number one spot for insurance companies in the USA," based on an article in Business Wire. The city of Des Moines is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, the Meredith Corporation, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ruan Transportation and EMC Insurance Companies. Other particularly huge corporations including Wells Fargo, ING Group, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Marsh, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Monsanto have operations within or near the metro Des Moines region. In fact, nearly 70 insurance companies have their headquarters and numerous regional offices within the vicinity.
Des Moines is a main part of the states economic core with many jobs in the following areas: agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, the government and retail and wholesale trade. Iowa is one of the main employers.
The manufacturing sector comprises such big name businesses as Rockwell Collins, Amana Appliances, Pella and Maytag. This industry has had a major effect on the region's economy.
The fiber optics telecommunications industry is rapidly growing within the Des Moines region. The city is also home to different companies which are actively involved in biotechnology research.
The city of Des Moines also serves as the states hub for culture, boasting a wide array of arts centers, performance events, museums and concerts. The Des Moines Arts Center houses a permanent collected works of major 21st, 19th and 20th century works of art in a contemporary building. The Arts Center Downtown is an extension of the center. It provides several new and exciting exhibits showcased in an urban-inspired setting. There are over 50 artists within the state of Iowa featured in the Gortz Haus Gallery which is situated within a church made of stone.
For numerous military enthusiasts, there is the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum. This facility honors the women and men who participated in wars and has artifacts from the Civil War to the present. The Des Moines Metro Opera provides educational and outreach programs. It is amongst the largest organizations of its kind within Iowa State.