1. Iowa Statehood Day: January 15, 1846, is the day when Iowa became a state in the United States of America. The Iowa Territory was established in 1838, and after eight years of territorial status, Iowa was finally admitted as the 29th state of the union. To celebrate the state's birthday, many communities across Iowa hold events and activities including parades, concerts, fireworks, and historical exhibitions.
2. Birth of George Washington Carver: One of the most notable individuals who were born on January 15 is George Washington Carver. He was a famous scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor who was born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri, in 1864. Carver studied and taught at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and became famous for his innovations in agriculture, particularly with peanuts and sweet potatoes.
3. The First Iowa State Capitol Building Burned down: On January 15, 1854, the first Iowa State Capitol building in Iowa City was destroyed by fire. The fire started in the State Supreme Courtroom, and within an hour, the entire building was engulfed in flames. Although there were no casualties, most of the state records were destroyed, and the state's government relocated to Des Moines in 1857.
4. Norman Borlaug was Born: Another notable individual born on January 15 is Norman Borlaug. He was an American agronomist and humanitarian who was born in Cresco, Iowa, in 1914. Borlaug is known as the "Father of the Green Revolution," which is credited with saving millions of lives from famine. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his contribution to world peace through increasing food production.
5. Bonnie and Clyde Visited Iowa: On January 15, 1934, the infamous gangsters Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were reportedly in the town of Dexter, Iowa, where they visited a grocery store and stole some food items. The duo was notorious for a string of robberies and killings across the United States during the 1930s, and their brief visit to Iowa created quite a stir among the locals.
5 Fun Facts About January 15 In Iowa History
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