A steamboat has been partially uncovered in the bed of the Des Moines River, south of Pella. Much of the approximately 50 foot long vessel can now be seen. Some locals say that the ship has been partially visible as far back as 25 years ago and historic area photographs available on the Marion County website show times when the ship is covered, and other times when it’s revealed. When informed by KNIA/KRLS, the State Archaeologist, Dr. John Doershuk, said that they will begin an investigation into the history of the boat. The first steamboat to come up the Des Moines river was in 1837.