1. On January 9, 1855, the Iowa Agricultural College (later renamed Iowa State University) was established. Today, Iowa State is a leading land-grant research institution with over 34,000 students.

2. January 9, 1868, was an important day for Iowa women's suffrage. The state's first women's suffrage organization, the Iowa Woman Suffrage Society, was established in Des Moines.

3. January 9, 1902, marked the birth of Iowa native and baseball legend Johnny Vander Meer. Vander Meer made history in 1938 by pitching back-to-back no-hit games for the Cincinnati Reds - a feat that has yet to be repeated.

4. On January 9, 1913, the Iowa State Capitol building was destroyed by a fire. The current capitol was built in its place and completed in 1884.

5. January 9, 1947, was a cold day in Iowa - with temperatures dipping down to -47°F in Elkader. This frigid weather resulted in frozen water mains, stalled transportation, and harsh conditions for farmers and livestock.