1. In 1832, a treaty was signed between the U.S. government and the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes in what is known as the Black Hawk Purchase. This opened up a large portion of Iowa for settlement and led to the displacement of numerous Native American communities.

2. In 1842, a destructive tornado struck Iowa City, causing extensive damage to buildings and claiming the lives of several people. It remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Iowa history.

3. On July 26, 1862, the Second Battle of Newtonia took place during the American Civil War, with Union forces ultimately prevailing over Confederate troops in southwest Missouri.

4. In 1875, a historic race took place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, known as the "Great Horse Race." The event drew thousands of spectators from across the state and featured a thrilling race between two rival horses, Culver and Jack.

5. On July 26, 1969, Iowa native John Kline was killed in action while serving in Vietnam. Kline was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice during the conflict.