1. May 1, 1864, marked the beginning of the Battle of Jenkins Ferry in Arkansas, which was fought by Iowa soldiers. The battle was part of the larger Red River Campaign during the Civil War and resulted in a Union victory.

2. May 1, 1885, was the date of an infamous train robbery in Adair, Iowa. The Jesse James Gang targeted the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and made off with $10,000 in cash and gold.

3. May 1, 1891, saw the opening of the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines. The building, which is still in use today, features a dome that is covered in 23-karat gold leaf.

4. May 1, 1917, was the date that Iowa officially adopted the American Goldfinch as the state bird. The bird is commonly found throughout the state and is known for its bright yellow color.

5. May 1, 2016, was a historic day for the city of Cedar Rapids. The Cedar River, which had been steadily rising due to heavy rainfall, reached a crest of 22 feet, causing widespread flooding in the city. It was the second-highest crest on record, surpassed only by the devastating flood of 2008.