1. On October 18, 1859, the first public library in Iowa was established in Dubuque. The library was called the Dubuque Athenaeum and Reading Room Association and it was started by a group of citizens who were interested in promoting literacy and culture in the community.

2. In 1867, on October 18, the first train from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids ran along the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. This railway connection would play a major role in the economic development of Iowa, allowing for the transportation of goods and people across the state.

3. On October 18, 1894, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder of her father and stepmother in Massachusetts. The trial received nationwide attention, and it is believed that the verdict was influenced by the fact that Borden was a wealthy woman who had never been in trouble with the law before.

4. In 1913, on October 18, the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines opened its doors for the first time. The hotel was built by prominent Iowa businessmen as a way to attract visitors to the state and promote downtown Des Moines as a center of commerce and culture.

5. On October 18, 1945, the Iowa State Highway Patrol was officially established by Governor Robert D. Blue. The patrol was created to enforce traffic laws and improve public safety on Iowa's roads, and it remains an important agency in the state today.