1. On April 22, 1913, the Iowa State Capitol held its dedication ceremony. Over 30,000 people attended the event, including former President Theodore Roosevelt. The building took 15 years to construct and cost approximately $3 million.

2. In 1980, April 22 was officially designated as Earth Day. Iowa has since become an active participant in Earth Day celebrations, hosting events such as community cleanups and tree plantings.

3. On April 22, 1926, Iowa State University's Poultry Science Department was established. The department has since become one of the top poultry science research centers in the world.

4. In 1970, Iowa Governor Robert Ray signed the "Bottle Bill" into law, making Iowa the first state to require a refundable deposit on beverage containers. The law was aimed at reducing litter and encouraging recycling.

5. On April 22, 1961, U.S. Navy pilot Alan Shepard became the first American in space. Shepard was born in New Hampshire, but graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland - which is close to the Iowa border. His historic flight lasted just over 15 minutes and reached an altitude of 116 miles.