1. In 1863, the first issue of "The Iowa State Register" was published. This newspaper was based in Des Moines and provided news and information for the state of Iowa.

2. On November 9, 1939, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the University of Iowa's College of Law could not discharge a professor for being a member of the Communist Party. This decision was a significant victory for academic freedom and freedom of speech in Iowa.

3. The deadliest tornado in Iowa's history occurred on November 9, 1864. This tornado struck the town of Camden, killing 18 people and injuring 60 more.

4. In 1993, the Iowa State Fair Board announced plans to build a new Grandstand facility. This new facility would feature improved seating, lighting, and sound systems, and would be completed in time for the 1994 Iowa State Fair.

5. November 9, 2008, was a significant day in Iowa history as it marked the election of the state's first African American representative to the US House of Representatives. Democrat Bruce Braley defeated Republican candidate David Hartsuch in the election, earning 64% of the vote.