The Iowa Capitol and Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument were surrounded by an older residential neighborhood in need of repair during the early part of the 20th Century.
Here is another view of the area south of the Capitol near the railroad tracks around 1910 before the grounds were cleaned up. This scene is what passengers saw from the train.
This photo shows a house on Des Moines Street that partially blocks the view of the back side of the Historical Building. You can also see the top part of the Capitol to the right and south of the Historical Building.
This is another view south of the Capitol showing a rundown neighborhood. The Iowa Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is hidden by the buildings on the left.
The State of Iowa erected this monument, funded partially by refunded war taxes, commemorates the Iowans who fought during the Civil War. The monument was approved in 1888, the cornerstone was laid in 1894, and the structure was completed two years…
The railroad tracks in the foreground south of the Capitol used to carry passenger trains and those passing by could look up the hill for a glimpse of the Capitol. It was a very rundown area at the time. Plans were being made to buy the areas around…
