Today In History
5 Fun Facts About November 21 In Iowa History
1. Birth of Meredith Willson: November 21, 1902, was the day when Meredith Willson was born in Mason City, Iowa. He was a renowned musician, songwriter, and playwright, best known for creating the Broadway musical, The Music Man. 2. Iowa State Fair Tragedy: On November 21, 1883, a massive fire...
5 Fun Facts About November 20 In Iowa History
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...
5 Fun Facts About November 19 In Iowa History
1. In 1921, the Cedar Rapids Country Club was officially opened. The club is known for its beautiful golf course and has hosted several important golf tournaments over the years. 2. On November 19, 1942, the University of Iowa's football team played their first home game under the new floodlights...
5 Fun Facts About November 18 In Iowa History
1. In 1925, the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church was founded in Coralville, Iowa. This church has grown to become one of the largest in the state, with a membership of over 2,000. 2. On November 18, 1936, Iowa State University became the first college in the country to broadcast a...
5 Fun Facts About November 17 In Iowa History
1. In 1861, the Iowa Legislature approved a measure to allow women to attend the state university, making it one of the first schools in the nation to open its doors to women. The first female student, Mary Louisa Sinclair, enrolled the following year. 2. On November 17, 1923, Iowa...
5 Fun Facts About November 16 In Iowa History
1. On November 16, 1863, the Squirrel Hunters of southeast Iowa were activated to protect the area from Confederate raiders. The Squirrel Hunters were a group of local volunteers who were organized to defend their communities during the Civil War. 2. On November 16, 1880, Dr. William M. McFarland became...
5 Fun Facts About November 15 In Iowa History
1. In 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to join the Union. 2. In 1894, the famous Iowa historian and author Albert B. Cory published "A History of Marion County, Iowa" which chronicled the history of the county from its earliest days to the present. 3. In 1900, the city...
5 Fun Facts About November 14 In Iowa History
1. Iowa became a state on November 14, 1846: On this day, Iowa was officially admitted as the 29th state in the Union. Prior to statehood, Iowa had been a part of the Louisiana Purchase, the Missouri Territory, and the Michigan Territory. Today, Iowa is known for its fertile farmland,...
5 Fun Facts About November 13 In Iowa History
1. In 1858, the town of Council Bluffs was incorporated in Iowa. It served as a vital transportation hub for pioneers heading westward. 2. In 1913, a group of suffragettes in Iowa picketed in front of the state capitol building to demand the right to vote. The demonstration was part...
5 Fun Facts About November 12 In Iowa History
Here are five interesting facts about November 12 in Iowa history: 1. On November 12, 1864, during the American Civil War, a group of approximately 150 men from various Native American tribes attacked the town of Camden in western Iowa. The attack was repelled by Union soldiers stationed in the...
5 Fun Facts About November 11 In Iowa History
1. Armistice Day was observed as a national holiday on November 11th annually until it was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. Iowa was one of the states that naturally gave recognition to the day, holding parades and other events in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and other cities to celebrate...
5 Fun Facts About November 10 In Iowa History
1. Iowa Voted for Grant: In 1868, Iowans helped elect Civil War hero and Republican candidate Ulysses S. Grant as President of the United States. Grant would go on to serve two terms as president. 2. Murderous Blizzard: On November 10, 1940, a massive blizzard swept across Iowa, bringing with...