<P> On September 22 , 1851 , Des Moines was incorporated as a city ; the charter was approved by voters on October 18 . In 1857 , the name `` Fort Des Moines '' was shortened to `` Des Moines '' , and it was designated as the second state capital , previously at Iowa City . Growth was slow during the Civil War period , but the city exploded in size and importance after a railroad link was completed in 1866 . </P>
<P> On September 22 , 1851 , Des Moines was incorporated as a city ; the charter was approved by voters on October 18 . In 1857 , the name `` Fort Des Moines '' was shortened to `` Des Moines '' , and it was designated as the second state capital , previously at Iowa City . Growth was slow during the Civil War period , but the city exploded in size and importance after a railroad link was completed in 1866 . </P>
what was the capital of iowa before des moines
what was the capital of iowa before des moines
Iowa City
Iowa City