1. Iowa became a state:
On December 8, 1846, President James K. Polk signed a bill admitting Iowa as the 29th state of the United States, making this an important anniversary for the Hawkeye State.

2. First woman lawyer:
In 1869, Arabella Mansfield became the first woman to be admitted to the Iowa Bar Association. She went on to become a professor of law at Iowa Wesleyan University, inspiring generations of female law students.

3. The murder of Bonnie and Clyde:
On December 8, 1932, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were suspected of robbing the National Bank in Burley, Texas, before making their way to Iowa. Two police officers attempted to apprehend them near Dexter, but Bonnie and Clyde escaped. The next year in May, the pair was ambushed and killed by law enforcement in Louisiana.

4. One of the country's worst blizzards:
On December 8, 1949, Iowa experienced one of the worst blizzards in the state's history. Dubbed the "Blizzard of '49," this storm devastated the Midwest with icy winds and snowdrifts up to 20 feet high.

5. A famous actor's birthday:
On December 8, 1925, actor Sammy Davis Jr. was born in New York City. Though not from Iowa, Davis Jr. did perform in the state and has become a beloved figure of American entertainment history. His birthday is celebrated by fans across the country, including those in Iowa.