1. On April 18, 1947, a fire broke out at a fertilizer plant in Clinton, Iowa, causing a massive explosion that killed 13 people and injured over 350. The blast was felt 150 miles away and caused widespread damage to the surrounding area.

2. On April 18, 1853, the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was completed between Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. The bridge was a major engineering feat at the time and helped to spur economic growth in the region.

3. On April 18, 1938, the Iowa State Capitol building was dedicated in Des Moines. The monumental structure, designed in the Beaux-Arts style, features a gold dome and is one of the largest capitol buildings in the United States.

4. On April 18, 1910, a tornado swept through the town of Woodward, Iowa, causing extensive damage and killing 11 people. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that affected several states in the Midwest.

5. On April 18, 1993, the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines reopened after a major renovation. The hotel, which first opened in 1919, has played host to several U.S. Presidents and other notable figures over the years.