1. On August 4, 1832, Iowa's first territorial governor, Robert Lucas, arrived in Burlington, Iowa to begin his term in office. Lucas was instrumental in establishing the framework for Iowa's territorial government and played a key role in Iowa's transition to statehood in 1846.

2. August 4, 1881 marked the opening of the Iowa State Fair, which has since become one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the country. The fair was originally organized as a way to promote Iowa agriculture and has since grown to include numerous attractions and exhibits.

3. On August 4, 1894, a group of coal miners in southeastern Iowa went on strike to protest low wages and poor working conditions. The miners were successful in securing higher pay and better working conditions after a difficult and protracted strike that lasted several months.

4. August 4, 1927 was the date of a devastating tornado that struck the town of Muscatine, Iowa. The tornado caused extensive damage to buildings and homes in the area, and resulted in several fatalities and injuries.

5. August 4, 1942 marked the beginning of the construction of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, located near Burlington, Iowa. The plant played a key role in supplying ammunition and other military equipment during World War II, and continued to operate until 1975. Today, the site is home to several industrial and commercial businesses.