Today In History
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...
5 Fun Facts About May 11 In Iowa History
1. In 1858, the first train arrived in Cedar Rapids. The arrival of the train helped boost the city's economy and development. 2. In 1934, the famous outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde were involved in a shootout with authorities in Iowa. The shootout occurred on a rural road near Dexter...
5 Fun Facts About May 10 In Iowa History
1. The state of Iowa officially became a state on May 10, 1846. Prior to this, Iowa was part of the Wisconsin Territory and had been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years. 2. On May 10, 1933, the Cedar Rapids Gazette became the first newspaper in the world...
5 Fun Facts About May 9 In Iowa History
1. The first official Mother's Day was celebrated in Iowa on May 9, 1914, after President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation recognizing the holiday. Anna Jarvis, who is credited with starting the tradition of Mother's Day in the United States, had lobbied for years to have the day recognized as...
5 Fun Facts About May 8 In Iowa History
1. Iowa became a state on May 8, 1846 – On this day, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States. The state was created out of the Iowa Territory, which was established in 1838. 2. The Battle of Pleasant Hill took place on May 8, 1864 –...
5 Fun Facts About May 7 In Iowa History
1. Iowa Native and Baseball Legend, Bob Feller, was Born on May 7, 1918. Bob Feller was born in Van Meter, Iowa and went on to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and served in the...
5 Fun Facts About May 6 In Iowa History
1. In 1882, Iowa Farmer's Alliance was established in Des Moines. This organization aimed to fight against the unfair practices of big businesses and promote the rights of farmers. 2. On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg disaster occurred in New Jersey. Although Iowa was not directly involved, many Iowans were...
5 Fun Facts About May 5 In Iowa History
1. In 1856, Iowa's first telegraph line was established, linking the cities of Dubuque and Davenport. This allowed for faster communication and helped to spur growth throughout the state. 2. On May 5, 1895, baseball legend Cap Anson managed his last game for the Chicago Colts (now the Chicago Cubs)...
5 Fun Facts About May 4 In Iowa History
1. On May 4, 1886, the city of Decorah experienced a devastating fire that destroyed a large portion of the downtown area, including numerous businesses and homes. 2. May 4, 1934, is known as "Bloody Friday" in Iowa history. On this day, a confrontation between striking Teamsters and members of...