1. On December 1, 1873, the University of Iowa played its first ever football game. The game was played against Grinnell College and resulted in a 12-0 victory for Iowa.

2. The first coal mine in Van Buren County, Iowa opened on December 1, 1881. The mine operated for over 50 years, and at its peak employed over 200 workers.

3. December 1, 1950, marked the official beginning of the Korean War. Over 7,000 Iowans served in the war, and 500 lost their lives.

4. The Iowa Women's Hall of Fame was established on December 1, 1975. The hall of fame honors outstanding Iowa women who have made significant contributions in the fields of arts, business, education, government, humanities, and sciences.

5. On December 1, 1998, the Iowa State Capitol underwent a major renovation that lasted nearly 14 years. The project included the restoration of the building's beautiful murals, stained glass windows, and marble floors, and cost nearly $120 million.