Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 5 In Iowa History
1. The Hawkeye State officially became a state on February 5, 1846. After being a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Iowa was initially divided into different territories before becoming its own state. 2. On February 5, 1977, the Iowa women's basketball team set a national record for most...
5 Fun Facts About February 4 In Iowa History
1. In 1861, Iowa's Governor Samuel Kirkwood delivered a speech in favor of the Union cause during a joint session of the Iowa Legislature. He emphasized the state's loyalty to the Union and its determination to help quell the rebellion. 2. In 1901, Iowa State College (now Iowa State University)...
5 Fun Facts About February 3 In Iowa History
1. The first railroad station in Iowa, the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad, opened on February 3, 1857. The station was located in Dubuque and played a vital role in the transportation of goods and the development of the city. 2. On February 3, 1863, Iowa Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood signed...
5 Fun Facts About February 2 In Iowa History
1. Groundhog Day - In 1993, Puxatony Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania who predicts the arrival of spring, visited Iowa for the first time. He was brought to the state for an event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 2. Iowa Wildcats - On February 2, 1882, the University of...
5 Fun Facts About February 1 In Iowa History
1. On February 1, 1862, the Battle of Springfield took place in Missouri but had a significant impact on Iowa history. Iowa soldiers were part of the Union forces that defeated Confederate troops in the battle, which helped the Union gain control of Missouri and secure the regional supply lines....
5 Fun Facts About January 31 In Iowa History
1. In 1870, the Iowa State Agricultural Society held its first meeting in Des Moines. The organization, created to promote Iowa's agricultural industry, still operates today and hosts the annual Iowa State Fair. 2. On January 31, 1916, the town of Keosauqua experienced a record low temperature of -44 degrees...
5 Fun Facts About January 30 In Iowa History
1. In 1903, The University of Iowa established its first homecoming celebration, which included a parade, football game, and ball. The event has since become an annual tradition. 2. In 1925, the Iowa State Teachers Association held its first convention in Des Moines, with over 7,000 educators from across the...
5 Fun Facts About January 29 In Iowa History
1. The Iowa State Fair was established on January 29, 1854. It is one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the United States, attracting more than a million visitors each year. 2. On January 29, 1917, the World War I military training camp, Camp Dodge, was established near...
5 Fun Facts About January 28 In Iowa History
1. Iowa became a state on January 28, 1846. After being designated as part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, Iowa's population grew rapidly, and residents petitioned for statehood. President James K. Polk signed the bill granting statehood on January 28, 1846. 2. The Saylorville Dam, located just north of...
5 Fun Facts About January 27 In Iowa History
1. In 1870, the first issue of the Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette was published. The paper, still in circulation today, was one of the first daily newspapers in Iowa and has won numerous awards for its journalism. 2. On January 27, 1948, an F4 tornado touched down in central Iowa,...
5 Fun Facts About January 26 In Iowa History
1. Iowa was admitted to the Union on January 26, 1846, making it the 29th state in the United States. 2. On January 26, 1929, the first radio broadcast of an Iowa basketball game took place. KSO radio in Des Moines broadcasted the Drake-Temple game, which ended in a 39-37...
5 Fun Facts About January 25 In Iowa History
1. In 1870, the Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) established the first professorship of agricultural engineering in the United States, solidifying the state's reputation as a leader in agricultural education and innovation. 2. In 1906, the town of Eldridge, Iowa was incorporated, becoming the first town in...