1. Iowa became a state on January 28, 1846. After being designated as part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, Iowa's population grew rapidly, and residents petitioned for statehood. President James K. Polk signed the bill granting statehood on January 28, 1846.

2. The Saylorville Dam, located just north of Des Moines, was dedicated on January 28, 1977. The dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding along the Des Moines River and to provide recreational opportunities in the area.

3. On January 28, 1935, the Iowa State Highway Commission banned the use of snow tires on state highways. The ban was put in place to prevent damage to the roads, but it was lifted in 1943 due to a shortage of rubber during World War II.

4. Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was the site of the first successful parachute jump in the United States on January 28, 1914. The jump was made by Charles Broadwick, who had been experimenting with parachutes since the early 1900s.

5. The Iowa Reading Association was founded on January 28, 1949. The organization is dedicated to promoting literacy and reading skills throughout Iowa, and it provides resources and support to teachers and other literacy professionals across the state.