BLACK HERITAGE
TRAIL
01
Fort Des Moines Museum honors Black history as the training site for the first Black Army officers in WWI and the first Black women in the military during WWII.
02
Center Street was once the heart of Des Moines’ Black community, thriving with Black-owned businesses, jazz clubs, and social hubs. The neighborhood was largely destroyed in the 1960s due to the construction of Interstate 235, displacing residents and businesses.
03
The Edna Griffin Building honors civil rights leader Edna Griffin, who led a 1948 campaign against segregation at Katz Drug Store. Her efforts resulted in a landmark case that outlawed racial discrimination in Iowa businesses.
04
​Established in 1917, Willkie House in Des Moines, Iowa, began as a facility offering leisure programs for Black servicemen stationed at Fort Des Moines during World War I.
05
The National Bar Association Monument honors the nation's oldest and largest association of Black attorneys, founded in Des Moines in 1925. It celebrates the fight for racial justice and equal representation in the legal system.
06
Learn about the Black Iowa Caucus and the contributions of Black legislators in the Iowa Capitol, highlighting their impact on policy and representation in the state. Explore their leadership, advocacy, and efforts to advance equity and inclusion in Iowa politics.
07
The Shattering Silence Memorial in Des Moines commemorates Iowa’s history of advancing civil rights, including its 1839 decision to reject slavery. It stands as a tribute to those who have fought for justice and equality.
08
The Black Panther House in Des Moines served as a community hub for the Black Panther Party, providing education, meals, and support for local Black residents. It was tragically burned down in 1970 under suspicious circumstances, reflecting the challenges faced by the movement.
09
The Des Moines Fire Department hired its first Black firefighters in the late 1800s, breaking racial barriers in the city’s emergency services. Despite facing discrimination, these pioneers paved the way for future generations of Black firefighters in Iowa.
10
Evelyn K. Davis Park in Des Moines is named after civil rights leader and community advocate Evelyn K. Davis, who dedicated her life to uplifting Black families. The park stands as a gathering space reflecting her legacy of empowerment and support for underserved communities.
11
Drake University honors Black history through the Wayne Ford Collection, preserving his legacy of civil rights and policy work, and Chester Cole Hall, which recognizes the 1868 case of Alexander Clark that desegregated Iowa schools. These landmarks reflect the university’s commitment to civil rights and social justice.
12
Hope+Elim Church, formerly known as Maple Street Baptist Church, was the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1959 speech in Des Moines. His visit inspired local civil rights activism and strengthened the fight for racial equality in Iowa.
13
The Jordan House in West Des Moines was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, sheltering freedom seekers escaping slavery. It stands as a symbol of Iowa’s abolitionist history and commitment to civil rights.