Below are 5 historical events that happened on July 23 in Iowa:

1. In 1862, the Battle of Kirksville took place in Missouri, just south of the border with Iowa. Many Iowa soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict, as they were recruited by the Union or Confederate armies.

2. In 1892, the Populist Party held its Iowa State Convention in Des Moines. The party was a political movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the interests of farmers and laborers against the elites and corporations.

3. In 1912, the Iowa State Fair opened its gates for its annual event in Des Moines. The fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural fairs in the country, featuring exhibits, competitions, entertainment, and food.

4. In 1974, the Woodward tornado struck the town of Woodward, Iowa, causing extensive damage and killing nine people. The tornado was rated F4 on the Fujita scale, and it remains one of the most destructive tornadoes in Iowa's history.

5. In 2003, a tropical storm named Bill swept across eastern Iowa, causing flooding and landslides in some areas. The storm produced heavy rainfall that exceeded 10 inches in some places, leading to property damage and road closures.