1. Iowa became a state on December 28, 1846, but on August 20, 1882, the state officially became connected to the rest of the country by railroad. The first train arrived in Council Bluffs from Chicago, which marked the beginning of a new era of transportation and economic growth for Iowa.

2. On August 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart visited Des Moines to promote aviation and encourage women to consider the field. She spoke about her experiences as a pilot and urged women to follow their dreams, inspiring many young women in Iowa to pursue careers in aviation.

3. The great state fair of Iowa, which is now one of the largest state fairs in the country, was first held on August 20, 1854, in Fairfield. The fair has since moved to Des Moines and attracts over a million visitors every year.

4. On August 20, 1911, the Cedar Rapids Gazette became the first newspaper in the country to use a linotype machine, a groundbreaking technology that revolutionized the printing industry by allowing for faster and more efficient typesetting.

5. On August 20, 1863, the Battle of Little Blue River took place in Missouri, just a few miles from the Iowa border. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Iowa soldiers fought courageously and helped secure a Union victory, further solidifying Iowa's reputation as a state that values and defends freedom.