1. On March 21, 1931, the Grundy County Memorial Hospital opened in Grundy Center. This small hospital provided medical care to the local community and surrounding areas.

2. In 1959, on March 21, the last steam engine train passed through Mt. Vernon, Iowa. The train was headed for Cedar Rapids and signaled the end of an era for train travel in the area.

3. On March 21, 1985, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that prohibited smoking in most public buildings in the state. This was part of a nationwide trend toward limiting smoking in public places to improve public health.

4. In 2004, on March 21, The University of Iowa women's basketball team advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament by defeating the University of Virginia 74-65. It was the first time the Hawkeyes had ever reached the Elite Eight.

5. On March 21, 2018, Iowa native Maddie Poppe auditioned for American Idol and impressed the judges with her unique voice and style. She went on to win the competition and has since released multiple albums and toured extensively.