1. In 1846, Iowa became the 29th state in the United States, marking a significant moment in the state's history. Prior to statehood, Iowa had been part of various territories, including Wisconsin and Michigan.
2. On August 6, 1911, the town of Waterloo experienced one of the worst fires in its history. The blaze, which started in the basement of a department store, destroyed several buildings and caused approximately $2 million in damages.
3. In 1956, Iowa native Fred Maytag II introduced the first automatic washing machine with a separate spin-dryer. The invention revolutionized the washing machine industry and paved the way for modern home appliances.
4. On August 6, 1983, the Iowa State Fair set a world record for the largest single-day attendance at a state fair. The event attracted over 196,000 visitors, making it one of the most successful fairs in history.
5. August 6, 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the first female touchdown pass in professional football history. The pass was thrown by Iowa native Patricia Palinkas during a game for the Orlando Panthers of the Atlantic Coast Football League.