Today In History
5 Fun Facts About November 25 In Iowa History
1. On November 25, 1931, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The circus featured more than 1,500 performers and animals, including elephants, tigers, and clowns. It was a major event for the city, and many residents turned out to see the spectacle. 2....
5 Fun Facts About November 24 In Iowa History
1. In 1880, the first electric streetcar in Iowa began operating in Des Moines. The streetcar ran from the downtown area to the State Fairgrounds and was powered by electricity from a nearby power station. 2. In 1931, the State Historical Society of Iowa was created. The organization collects, preserves,...
5 Fun Facts About November 23 In Iowa History
1. On November 23, 1871, the first official game of American football was played in Iowa. The two teams from Princeton and Rutgers competed in front of a crowd of 100 spectators, marking the birth of what would eventually become one of the most popular sports in the United States....
5 Fun Facts About November 22 In Iowa History
1. Bonnie and Clyde’s Gang Robbed a Bank in Stuart, Iowa on November 22, 1933 On November 22, 1933, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow and their gang robbed a bank in the small Iowa town of Stuart. During the robbery, they killed town marshal C.E. Whitney before making...
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,...