1. The first goat show in Iowa was held on August 31, 1916, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. The show featured over 100 goats from different parts of the state and was a popular attraction for both farmers and visitors to the fair.

2. On August 31, 1855, the Iowa State Agricultural Society was formed in Fairfield, Iowa. The society was created to promote agriculture and farming in the state through education, research, and collaboration among farmers and other agricultural professionals.

3. In 1954, the first meeting of the Iowa Board of Regents was held on August 31. The board oversees the state's three public universities and other institutions of higher education, including community colleges and vocational schools.

4. On August 31, 1925, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library was officially dedicated in West Branch, Iowa. The library was built to honor Hoover, who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933 and spent his early years in Iowa.

5. The Battle of Allerton took place on August 31, 1846, during the Mexican-American War. The battle was fought between a group of Iowa volunteers and Mexican troops near the town of Allerton, Iowa. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Iowans were able to hold their own and the battle is considered a small but important victory for the American forces.