1. On November 20, 1910, the Great Northern Railroad surveyed the route for its line through eastern Iowa. The railroad provided new opportunities for farmers and businesses in the area.

2. In 1923, the first hangar for commercial airplanes was built at the Des Moines airport. This allowed for easier access to transportation and boosted economic activity in the city.

3. The famous American artist Grant Wood was born on November 20, 1891, in Anamosa, Iowa. Wood is renowned for his depictions of rural life in the Midwest, and is best known for his iconic painting "American Gothic."

4. On November 20, 1859, the first known settlement in Dickinson County, Iowa was established at Milford. The town became an important stop on the Iowa Great Lakes tourist trail.

5. November 20, 1868, saw the opening of the first railroad line in northern Iowa. The Dubuque and Pacific Railroad connected Dubuque to Iowa Falls and opened up new opportunities for businesses and farmers along the corridor.