1. In 1868, Iowa State University was established as Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, becoming the first land-grant institution in the country. Today, the university is a leading research institution and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

2. In 1887, Frank Gotch was born in Humboldt, Iowa. Gotch went on to become one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, winning the world heavyweight championship title in 1908 and defending it for six years straight.

3. On February 24, 1917, the Iowa Legislature approved a bill to establish the Iowa State Conservation Commission, which would go on to become the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The department is responsible for managing and preserving the state's natural resources, including parks, forests, wildlife, and waterways.

4. In 1931, Iowa Governor Dan Turner signed a bill making Iowa the first state to officially celebrate George Washington's birthday as a holiday. Today, the holiday is known as Presidents' Day and is celebrated on the third Monday of February.

5. On February 24, 1996, the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team defeated the Indiana Hoosiers in a historic upset at home in Iowa City. The win came against the top-ranked team in the country and helped propel the Hawkeyes to a successful season that included a trip to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.