1. January 7, 1862, saw the Battle of Springfield, a Civil War battle in southwest Missouri that involved Iowa soldiers. The battle resulted in a Union victory, with Iowa troops playing a key role in driving Confederate forces out of the area.

2. On January 7, 1885, Iowa Governor William Larabee signed a bill into law making Iowa the first state in the nation to establish a statutory holiday to honor veterans. The holiday, which was initially known as Soldiers' Day, later became known as Veterans Day.

3. January 7, 1896, marked the birth of Pauline Lord, a prominent stage actress born in Hanover, Iowa. Lord went on to have a successful career in theater, appearing in productions in New York and London, and receiving critical acclaim for her performances.

4. Iowa native and acclaimed photographer Dorothea Lange passed away on January 7, 1965. Lange is best known for her iconic images of the Great Depression, such as the famous "Migrant Mother" photograph.

5. January 7, 2013, saw the inauguration of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for his sixth non-consecutive term in office, making him the longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Branstad went on to serve until May 2017, when he resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to China under President Donald Trump.