1. In 1871, the Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) was officially established in Ames. The college was founded to promote agricultural and mechanical education in the state, and has since grown to become a leading research institution.

2. On December 18, 1907, Iowa Governor Albert B. Cummins spoke at the National Drainage Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cummins was a proponent of water management and drainage projects in Iowa, which were crucial for supporting agriculture in the state.

3. In 1933, the Iowa State Highway Commission approved funding for the construction of US Highway 20. The highway runs across the northern part of the state, connecting Iowa's eastern and western borders.

4. Iowa native Herbert Hoover was inaugurated as the 31st President of the United States on December 18, 1929. Hoover, who grew up in West Branch, Iowa, served as President from 1929 to 1933.

5. In 1999, Iowa quarterback Brad Banks was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. Banks led the Hawkeyes to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the Orange Bowl, where they fell to the USC Trojans. Despite not winning the Heisman Trophy, Banks was named the Associated Press Player of the Year and won the Davey O'Brien Award for best quarterback in college football.