1. On January 5, 1900, the University of Iowa played their first-ever football bowl game. They faced the University of California in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and lost by a score of 38-0.

2. In 1897 on this day, the Iowa General Assembly passed an act that established the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. This institution later became Iowa State University.

3. On January 5, 1911, the Iowa State Capitol building caught fire and suffered significant damage. The fire originated in the attic and spread throughout the building. However, the majority of the interior and many of the offices and chambers were saved from the fire.

4. In 1934 on this day, a massive blizzard struck Iowa and surrounding states. The storm led to snowdrifts as high as 20 feet and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Many schools and businesses were forced to close, and transportation was severely disrupted.

5. On January 5, 1881, the Sioux City Journal newspaper published its first issue. The paper went on to become one of the largest and most influential newspapers in the Midwest, covering news and events in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.