1. Iowa became a state: March 24, 1849 marked an important day in Iowa history as it became the 29th state to join the United States of America.

2. First woman mayor in Iowa: On March 24, 1926, Iowa created history by electing Jessie M. Parker as the first female mayor in the state. She was elected to lead the small town of Roland, Iowa.

3. Birthplace of Nobel Prize winner: March 24, 1902 marks the birth of Ernest O. Lawrence in Canton, South Dakota. Though he was not born in Iowa, Lawrence spent his childhood in Sioux City, Iowa. He went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator.

4. The Great Molasses Flood: On March 24, 1919, the Great Molasses Flood occurred in Boston, Massachusetts. Though it may not seem like it has any connection to Iowa history, it actually does. A small village in Iowa named Odebolt was among the many around the country that sent aid to help those affected by the tragedy.

5. Birthplace of an Actor: On March 24, 1930, actor Steve McQueen was born in Beech Grove, Indiana. While he was not born in Iowa, McQueen spent some of his childhood years in Slater, Iowa. He went on to become one of the most famous actors of his time, starring in iconic films such as Bullitt and The Great Escape.