1. Birth of George Washington Carver - January 23, 1864, saw the birth of George Washington Carver in Diamond, Missouri. Carver went on to become a pioneering scientist and inventor who made major contributions to the study of agriculture and the early carbon-sequestration movement.

2. Farm Crisis of the 1980s - In 1983, the Iowa Farm Crisis was at its peak. This resulted in a number of bank closures and foreclosures of family farms, which greatly affected the state's economy. As a result of the crisis, farming practices in Iowa and throughout the US underwent significant changes as farmers sought new ways to survive and thrive.

3. The Onawa Tornado - On January 23, 1967, a tornado struck the town of Onawa, Iowa, killing seven people and injuring many more. The tornado, which was one of the deadliest in Iowa history, caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in the area.

4. The Great Des Moines Flood - In January 1937, the city of Des Moines experienced a devastating flood that killed six people and caused millions of dollars in damage. The flood affected nearly every part of the city, with thousands of homes and businesses being destroyed or damaged.

5. Iowa's Role in the Civil War - During the Civil War, Iowa played a significant role in the conflict, providing soldiers, supplies, and intelligence to the Union army. In total, over 76,000 Iowans served in the military during the war, with nearly 14,000 losing their lives in battle or from disease. January 23 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Stones River, in which Iowa troops played a key role in securing a Union victory.