1. In 1850, the first railroad in Iowa was established when a line was laid from Davenport to Iowa City. This event marked a significant moment in the state's history as transportation became faster and more efficient.

2. A 1905 article in the Des Moines Register reported on a football game that took place on this day between the University of Iowa and one of its rivals, the University of Illinois. The game ended in a 12-12 tie, and according to the article, it was one of the most exciting games in the history of the two teams.

3. Iowa native and iconic actress Donna Reed was born on September 26, 1921, in Denison, Iowa. Reed starred in many classic movies, including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "From Here to Eternity."

4. On September 26, 1960, United States Senator John F. Kennedy visited Iowa during his campaign for the presidency. Kennedy's visit was significant because it helped him win the Iowa caucuses, a pivotal moment in his quest for the presidency.

5. In 2003, on this day, the Iowa Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The state became the third in the United States to do so, following Massachusetts and Connecticut. However, the bill was later overturned, and it wasn't until 2009 that same-sex marriage became legal in Iowa.