Today In History
5 Fun Facts About July 14 In Iowa History
1. July 14, 1846: Iowa becomes the 29th state in the Union On July 14, 1846, President James K. Polk signed a bill officially admitting Iowa as the 29th state in the United States. Prior to statehood, Iowa had been part of the Iowa Territory, which was established in 1838....
5 Fun Facts About July 2 In Iowa History
1. In 1839, the territory of Iowa was established by an act of Congress. This laid the groundwork for Iowa's eventual statehood in 1846. 2. On July 2, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. Many of the passengers on board were Iowa soldiers who...
5 Fun Facts About April 11 In Iowa History
1. On April 11, 1888, a massive blizzard struck Iowa, causing severe damage to property and claiming the lives of hundreds of people and livestock. The blizzard lasted for almost two days and is still considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in Iowa's history. 2. In 1927, Iowa State...
5 Fun Facts About April 10 In Iowa History
1. In 1967, Heavy rainfall in Iowa resulted in significant flooding in many areas. One of the worst-hit cities was Cedar Rapids, where residents had to be evacuated due to the rising waters of the Cedar River. 2. On April 10, 1906, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in...
5 Fun Facts About April 9 In Iowa History
1. In 1864, the Battle of Pleasant Hill took place in Louisiana during the Civil War. Among the Union soldiers serving in this battle was the 6th Iowa Infantry, which suffered heavy losses. The battle proved to be a strategic victory for the Confederacy, which was able to retreat without...
5 Fun Facts About April 8 In Iowa History
1. On April 8, 1851, construction of the Johnson County Courthouse was completed. The courthouse, located in Iowa City, is still in use today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 2. In 1864, the Battle of Pleasant Hill took place in Louisiana during the American Civil...
5 Fun Facts About April 7 In Iowa History
1. On April 7, 1857, the Iowa State Agricultural Society was established in Iowa City, Iowa. The society was responsible for promoting agricultural development and education throughout the state. 2. April 7, 1862, marked the beginning of the Battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War. Over 3,000 Iowans fought...
5 Fun Facts About April 6 In Iowa History
1. In 1973, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes men’s gymnastics team won its first ever Big Ten championship on April 6. The team was led by All-Americans Dave Thor and Mark Kachur. 2. On April 6, 1862, the Battle of Shiloh began in Tennessee during the Civil War. Many Iowans...
5 Fun Facts About April 5 In Iowa History
1. In 1843, the first issue of the Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser was published in Burlington, Iowa. This was Iowa's first newspaper and helped to spread news and information throughout the fledgling territory. 2. On April 5, 1852, a group of Mormon pioneers departed from Iowa City on their...
5 Fun Facts About April 4 In Iowa History
1) In 1843, the first issue of the Iowa Territorial Gazette and Burlington Advertiser was published in Burlington, Iowa. This newspaper played a significant role in shaping public opinion in the territory and was essential in promoting statehood for Iowa. 2) On April 4, 1896, the Iowa State Men's Glee...
5 Fun Facts About April 3 In Iowa History
1. On April 3, 1868, William G. Hammond was confirmed as the 22nd governor of Iowa, serving until 1872. During his tenure, Hammond established the first state board of health and advocated for the construction of the Iowa State Capitol building. 2. In 1933, the Iowa State Highway Patrol was...
5 Fun Facts About April 2 In Iowa History
1. On April 2, 1849, the Iowa state legislature officially established the University of Iowa in Iowa City. The university is now one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the Midwest, with a reputation for excellence in research and education. 2. On April 2, 1872, the first Arbor...