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5 Fun Facts About May 23 In Iowa History
1. Iowa became the 29th state in the United States of America on December 28, 1846. However, on May 23, 1850, Congress passed an act to organize the territories of Nebraska and Kansas, both of which were part of Iowa's original territory. 2. In 1873, a massive tornado struck the...
5 Fun Facts About May 22 In Iowa History
1. On May 22, 1959, a tornado outbreak occurred in Iowa that resulted in 12 tornadoes touching down in the state. The severe weather caused widespread damage and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. 2. The first ever Rotary Club in Iowa was established on May 22, 1912, in the...
5 Fun Facts About May 21 In Iowa History
1. On May 21, 1861, Iowa Governor Samuel Kirkwood commissioned the formation of the 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. The regiment played a significant role in battles including Vicksburg and Atlanta and suffered heavy casualties throughout the war. 2. In...
5 Fun Facts About May 20 In Iowa History
1. On May 20, 1862, the Homestead Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. This act provided 160 acres of land to any person who was willing to live on and cultivate the land for at least five years. Many people from Iowa took advantage of this opportunity...
5 Fun Facts About May 19 In Iowa History
1. On May 19, 1856, a devastating tornado struck the town of Camanche, Iowa, killing 12 people and causing extensive damage to homes and businesses. 2. In 1910, the first official high school graduation ceremony was held in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 19. Previously, graduation exercises had been informal...
5 Fun Facts About May 18 In Iowa History
1. In 1846, the Iowa Territory was established, which eventually led to Iowa becoming the 29th state in the United States in 1847. 2. In 1876, the state's first fair was held in Cedar Rapids, which showcased Iowa's agricultural accomplishments and became an annual event. 3. On May 18, 1917,...
5 Fun Facts About May 17 In Iowa History
1. May 17, 1856: The town of Clear Lake, Iowa was founded. The town is located in north-central Iowa and is a popular tourist destination for its namesake lake, which offers boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. 2. May 17, 1948: The first locomotive on the Iowa Traction Railway was...
5 Fun Facts About May 16 In Iowa History
1. In 1946, the deadliest tornado in Iowa history struck the town of Charles City on May 16, killing 13 people and causing extensive damage to the town. 2. On May 16, 1935, the first Rural Electrification Administration project in Iowa was organized in the town of Hampton. This marked...
5 Fun Facts About May 15 In Iowa History
1. In 1856, Iowa Governor James Grimes signed legislation declaring that May 15th would be recognized as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This day is set aside to honor the brave law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 2. On May 15, 1930, Ellen Church...
5 Fun Facts About May 14 In Iowa History
1. On May 14, 1884, the state of Iowa officially adopted its state flag. The flag features three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red, with a bald eagle holding a ribbon with the state motto "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" in its beak. 2....
5 Fun Facts About May 13 In Iowa History
1. On May 13, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, which had significant consequences for Iowa. Because of the war, many soldiers and volunteers traveled through Iowa Territory en route to Mexico, and Iowa also played a significant role in supplying troops and resources for the war effort....
5 Fun Facts About May 12 In Iowa History
1. In 1933, notorious gangster Bonnie Parker of the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde was arrested in Denison, Iowa after a shootout with police. 2. On May 12, 1984, the Iowa State Cyclones baseball team made history by winning their first Big Eight Conference title. 3. The historic Iowa State...