1. On April 3, 1868, William G. Hammond was confirmed as the 22nd governor of Iowa, serving until 1872. During his tenure, Hammond established the first state board of health and advocated for the construction of the Iowa State Capitol building.

2. In 1933, the Iowa State Highway Patrol was established on April 3, becoming the first organized state police force in the United States. The patrol's purpose was to enforce traffic laws and assist motorists in need.

3. On April 3, 1950, the University of Iowa became the first university in the country to offer a television course for credit. The course, titled "Atoms for Peace," was offered via the Iowa Educational Television Network and explored the potential benefits and risks of nuclear energy.

4. April 3, 1988 marked the debut of the "Iowa Wine and Beer Show" on WHO-TV. Hosted by Doug Jackson, the show highlighted Iowa-made wines and beers and featured interviews with local brewers and winemakers.

5. In 2018, on April 3, amateur archaeologist Jonah Hemingway discovered a prehistoric bison skull in a creek bed in northwestern Iowa. The skull, estimated to be between 10,000 and 12,000 years old, is one of the oldest bison specimens found in the state.