1984 Map of Des Moines

Transportation networks, including the Chicago and North Western railroad and historic crossings like High Bridge and Chestnut Ford Bridge, illustrate the movement of goods and people between the smaller grain-belt settlements of Madrid, Huxley, and Maxwell. To the east, the landscape transitions toward the industrial and agricultural hub of Newton, while numerous conservation areas like the Chichaqua Wildlife Habitat and Colfax State Wildlife Management Area preserve the river valley's natural character amidst the surrounding grid of farms.