1) On August 1, 1877, a swarm of Rocky Mountain locusts descended upon Iowa and other Midwest states, causing widespread destruction to crops and vegetation. The swarm was estimated to be over 110 miles wide and 1,800 miles long, leading to a major economic crisis for farmers in the affected regions.

2) August 1, 1893, marked the opening of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which featured exhibits and displays from around the world. Many Iowans participated in the fair, with the state even commissioning a special building to showcase its agricultural products and innovations.

3) August 1, 1917, saw the creation of Iowa's State Parks system, when the state legislature established Backbone State Park in northeastern Iowa. Today, the system includes over 80 parks and preserves, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors.

4) On August 1, 1938, the town of Ottumwa became the site of a major labor dispute, as union workers at the local meatpacking plant went on strike for better wages and working conditions. The strike quickly escalated into a violent confrontation between workers and police, resulting in several injuries and one death.

5) August 1, 1993, marked the opening of the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest and most famous state fairs in the United States. The fair attracts over one million visitors each year, and features a wide range of events and activities, including livestock shows, concerts, carnival rides, and food vendors serving up traditional Iowa fare like corn dogs and pork tenderloins.