1. On March 1, 1867, the first railroad bridge was completed across the Mississippi River at Clinton, Iowa. This allowed for increased transportation and commerce between Iowa and Illinois.

2. In 1913, a historic snowstorm hit Iowa on March 1st, dumping up to 2 feet of snow in some areas and causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The storm is still remembered as one of the worst in the state's history.

3. On March 1, 1932, Iowa became the first state in the nation to hold a presidential preference primary. The primary was held to give Iowa voters a voice in the nomination process, and it has since become a major event in American politics.

4. In 1954, the Iowa State Capitol building was designated a National Historic Landmark on March 1st. The building, located in Des Moines, is known for its stunning architecture and impressive dome.

5. In 1987, the Iowa Board of Regents announced on March 1st that the University of Iowa would become the home of the famous Iowa Writers' Workshop, a prestigious graduate-level creative writing program that has produced many award-winning authors over the years.