1. First Iowa City Charter
On October 1, 1853, the Iowa Legislature approved the first charter of Iowa City, making it the first city in the state to receive such a designation. This allowed for local government to be established and for city officials to make decisions concerning municipal affairs.

2. Cyclone Rips Through Cedar Rapids

On October 1, 1946, Cedar Rapids was hit by a devastating cyclone that caused significant damage to the city. With wind speeds reaching up to 110 mph, the storm destroyed around 700 homes, killed 11 people, and injured over 200 others.

3. Iowa Statehood Day

October 1 is also celebrated in Iowa as Statehood Day, as this was the date in 1846 when Iowa officially became the 29th state to join the Union. Events are held across the state to celebrate this historic day in Iowa's history.

4. Olympic Sprinter Born

On October 1, 1967, Olympic sprinter and gold medalist Dan O'Brien was born in Portland, Oregon. O'Brien, who grew up in Iowa, won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

5. Historic Buildings Renovated

Several historic buildings in Iowa have been renovated and reopened to the public on October 1. In 2005, the State Capitol Building in Des Moines was reopened after a four-year, $60 million renovation project. In 2010, the Iowa State Historical Building in Des Moines was also reopened after a $12 million renovation.