Today In History
5 Fun Facts About October 15 In Iowa History
Here are 5 interesting facts about October 15 in Iowa history: 1. In 1926, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of the largest engineering project in Iowa's history, the Saylorville Dam. The dam was built to control flooding and generate hydroelectric power on the Des Moines River. 2....
5 Fun Facts About October 14 In Iowa History
1. In 1890, the first Corn Palace was opened in Sioux City, Iowa. This unique building was constructed entirely of corn and used to promote the local agricultural industry. 2. On October 14, 1960, John F. Kennedy campaigned in Des Moines, Iowa, on his way to winning the presidency. His...
5 Fun Facts About October 13 In Iowa History
1. On October 13, 1844, President James K. Polk visited Davenport, Iowa, as part of his re-election campaign tour. This was the first visit by a sitting president to Iowa. 2. One of Iowa's deadliest tornadoes occurred on October 13, 1964, in the town of Belmond. The tornado was rated...
5 Fun Facts About October 12 In Iowa History
1. In 1918, the deadliest influenza pandemic of all time arrived in Iowa. This was known as the Spanish Flu and led to the deaths of approximately 6,000 Iowans. 2. In 1916, a fire broke out at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa. The fire destroyed much of...
5 Fun Facts About October 11 In Iowa History
1. In 1927, the iconic Iowa State Fairgrounds Grandstand was destroyed by fire on October 11th. The original grandstand was made entirely of wood and had been in use since 1909. The fire caused $1.5 million in damages (equivalent to over $21 million today) and prompted the construction of a...
5 Fun Facts About October 10 In Iowa History
1) On October 10, 1854, the Iowa State Agricultural Society was founded. The society aimed to promote and improve agriculture in the state through education and experimentation. 2) In 1927, a deadly tornado struck the town of Promise City, Iowa on October 10, killing 17 people and causing extensive damage....
5 Fun Facts About October 9 In Iowa History
1. B.G. Engstrom broke the world motorcycle speed record in 1920: On October 9, 1920, Iowa native B.G. Engstrom set a new world motorcycle speed record by racing his motorcycle at a speed of 120 miles per hour at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This was an impressive feat...
5 Fun Facts About October 8 In Iowa History
Below are five interesting facts about October 8 in Iowa history: 1. On October 8, 1862, the Battle of Perryville took place during the American Civil War. Iowa soldiers were among the Union troops who fought against Confederate forces in what is considered one of the deadliest battles in Kentucky....
5 Fun Facts About October 7 In Iowa History
1. In 1858, the first railroad line west of the Mississippi River was completed in Iowa, connecting Davenport and Council Bluffs. The line was a major contribution to the development and growth of the state's economy and transportation system. 2. In 1881, the famous outlaw Jesse James was shot and...
5 Fun Facts About October 6 In Iowa History
1. In 1843, the first Iowa territorial fair was held in Fairfield on October 6. The fair was organized to showcase the state's agricultural products, and by 1855, the Iowa State Fair was established, which takes place annually in August. 2. On October 6, 1866, the Iowa Agricultural College (now...
5 Fun Facts About October 5 In Iowa History
1. In 1864, the Battle of Allatoona occurred in Georgia during the Civil War. Iowa soldiers played a significant role in the battle, which resulted in a Union victory. 2. The first Czech language newspaper in the United States, “Svornost,” was founded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 5, 1877....
5 Fun Facts About October 4 In Iowa History
1. In 1837, the first newspaper in Iowa, the Dubuque Visitor, was published for the first time on October 4. It was a weekly paper that provided information on local, national, and international events to the citizens of Dubuque. 2. One of the most devastating fires in Iowa's history occurred...