Today In History
5 Fun Facts About October 17 In Iowa History
1. In 1855, the first train arrived in Cedar Rapids on October 17. The steam engine, known as "The Hawkeye," arrived in the city after traveling from Chicago, Illinois. This marked a significant moment in the history of transportation for Cedar Rapids and the state of Iowa. 2. On October...
5 Fun Facts About August 14 In Iowa History
1. Iowa was admitted as the 29th state in the Union on August 14, 1846. The territory had only been organized in 1838, but its rapid growth and development led to statehood just eight years later. 2. On August 14, 1885, the first electric streetcar in Iowa began operating in...
5 Fun Facts About August 13 In Iowa History
1. On August 13, 1846, a group of Mormons traveling westward on the Mormon Pioneer Trail arrived in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This community, known as Kanesville at the time, became an important staging area for Mormon emigrants before they continued their journey westward to Utah. 2. August 13, 1935 marked...
5 Fun Facts About August 12 In Iowa History
1. In 1862, the Battle of Lone Jack occurred in Missouri, which was an important event for Iowa history. Many Iowa soldiers fought on both sides of the battle, which ultimately resulted in a Confederate victory. 2. Iowa's Capitol building was dedicated on August 12, 1884. The building is a...
5 Fun Facts About August 11 In Iowa History
1. In 1877, the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the United States, opened to the public for the first time, attracting over 20,000 visitors on its first day alone. Today, the Iowa State Fair continues to draw massive crowds each year and is renowned for...
5 Fun Facts About August 10 In Iowa History
1. In 1854, the University of Iowa was founded. It was the first public university in the state. 2. On August 10, 1921, the Iowa State Fair set a new attendance record with 114,071 visitors. The fair continues to be a popular event to this day. 3. In 1962, the...
5 Fun Facts About August 9 In Iowa History
1. In 1838, a group of 850 Potawatomi natives were forcibly removed from their homes in Iowa and forced to walk over 660 miles to Kansas on what is now known as the Trail of Death. Many died during the journey due to harsh conditions and inadequate supplies. 2. In...
5 Fun Facts About August 8 In Iowa History
1. Iowa became a state on August 8, 1846. Prior to that, it was part of the Iowa Territory, which was created in 1838. Iowa was the 29th state to join the Union. 2. On August 8, 1876, a major tornado struck the town of Oskaloosa, Iowa, killing 17 people...
5 Fun Facts About July 20 In Iowa History
1. On July 20, 1969, Iowa Senator Harold Hughes watched the historic moon landing at NASA headquarters in Houston, as he was a member of the Aviation and Space Committee. 2. In 1923, the Iowa State Fair opened on July 20, featuring events such as horse races, livestock shows, and...
5 Fun Facts About July 17 In Iowa History
1. In 1909, the world's first successful rotary snow plow was tested on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in Sheldon, Iowa. The invention greatly advanced winter travel and transportation in the Midwest. 2. In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California, and one of the attractions featured was the...
5 Fun Facts About July 16 In Iowa History
1. On July 16, 1862, the 24th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment joined the Union Army in the American Civil War. The regiment fought in the battles of Vicksburg and Chattanooga, among others. 2. In 1870, on July 16, the first state fair was held in Des Moines, Iowa. The fair...
5 Fun Facts About July 15 In Iowa History
1. In 1900, the Iowa State Fair hosted its first ever "Automobile Day" on July 15th. Over 100 cars were displayed and demonstrated to the public. 2. On July 15th, 1921, Iowa's first commercial radio station, KGU (later known as WOC), began broadcasting in Davenport. 3. In 1943, the first...