The Des Moines River Plat Maps

Perhaps the most dramatic chapter in the history of the settlement of Iowa is comprised in the story of what for a half century was commonly known as "The Des Moines River Improvement Land Gant." This grant was the reason the Des Moines River Plat Map survey was commissioned by the State of Iowa. The intent of the grant was to determine if, by a system of dams and locks, the Des Moines River could be made navigable for many miles during a large portion of the year. Unfortunately, this idea would not be successful and the Des Moines River Improvment Grant ended as a failure. To read more about the history of the Des Moines River Plat Maps follow the links on this page.