1. Iowa became a state on May 8, 1846 – On this day, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States. The state was created out of the Iowa Territory, which was established in 1838.

2. The Battle of Pleasant Hill took place on May 8, 1864 – This was a Civil War battle that occurred in Louisiana. Several Iowa regiments played a key role in the battle, helping to repel a Confederate attack.

3. May 8, 1919 was the first state referendum on prohibition – Iowa was one of the first states to hold a referendum on prohibition, which was a hotly debated issue at the time. The referendum passed with a majority of votes in favor of banning alcohol.

4. Henry A. Wallace was born on May 8, 1888 – Henry A. Wallace was a prominent political figure in the 20th century. He served as the 33rd Vice President of the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt, and later founded the Progressive Party.

5. The Amana Colonies were established on May 8, 1855 – The Amana Colonies are a group of seven villages located in eastern Iowa. They were established by a religious group known as the True Inspirationists, who settled in Iowa to escape persecution in Germany. Today, the Amana Colonies are a popular tourist destination, known for their historic homes, shops, and restaurants.