DES MOINES COUNTY as first established in 1834 embraced nearly one-half of the territory of the future State of Iowa. But in December, 1836, the counties of Lee, Van Buren, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine and Cook were created from territory within its limits. It was named for the Des Moines River and in January, 1838, was reduced to nearly its present boundaries, lying on the Mississippi River in the second tier north of the Missouri State line. It has an area of but four hundred thirteen square miles. An account of the early settlements of Burlington and this county will be found elsewhere.
