The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center?s site is originally the historic Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School established in the early 1900s, although it was only officially recognized as such in 1917. It was designed as the school for African Americans who wish to be US Army officers during the World War I. The first trainees started their lessons in 1901 and received their commissions in 1917.

The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center honors this history of the site it is housed on. It commemorates the first black soldiers who became commissioned officers for the US Army.

The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center?s location was made s a National Historic Landmark in 1974.