1. The Hawkeye State officially became a state on February 5, 1846. After being a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Iowa was initially divided into different territories before becoming its own state.

2. On February 5, 1977, the Iowa women's basketball team set a national record for most points scored in a single game. They defeated Illinois by a score of 140-82, with Denise Long scoring a whopping 64 points.

3. Cedar Rapids was hit by a devastating flood on February 5, 2008. The Cedar River rose to 31.12 feet, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. It is considered one of the worst floods in the city's history.

4. On February 5, 1934, infamous gangster John Dillinger was captured in Tucson, Arizona. Dillinger had ties to Iowa, as he and his gang robbed several banks in the state during their crime spree.

5. The University of Iowa introduced America's first university-sponsored writing program on February 5, 1936. Known as the Writers' Workshop, it has produced numerous successful writers and has become a cornerstone of the university's academic programs.