5. There are 5 areas in Iowa that have been preserved as part of the Underground Railroad. Sometimes referred to as "black gold," there's a reason why Iowa leads in agriculture. 39. The statescapital is Des Moines. [3], A 25-mile trail bridge winds across five of Iowa towns. Now a US staple, Red Delicious apples are one of the most cultivated apples in the US. By 1930 sliced bread became a hot commodity. Learn more about it, The town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903. Its a natural water cave worth visiting. It has a population of 6,732,219 people, making it the 17 th most populous state. 43. As of 2013, the states hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas the human population was just north of three million. A memorial to Sgt. Though the 76,534 Iowan men who served in the Union may seem like small potatoes compared to contributions from other states, no other state had a higher percentage of its male population serve. Most known for cornfields and the famous Iowa State Fair, people are often surprised that there is much more to Iowa than meets the eye. Sculptures of birds and bears are the most popular in Northeast Iowa, where Effigy Mounds National Park covers 2,526 acresand there are no cars allowed. The Black Angel was created as a representation of a dream had by Ruth Dodge before her death in 1916. An estimated 358,000 tourists visit Iowa's wine country per year. Nevertheless, it was a monumental achievement and went down in the record books of Iowa facts and history. Then North Sioux is part of South Dakota while South Sioux is in Nebraska. This article was edited by Published June 30, 2021. In certain areas patients underwent electric shock therapy while others underwent lobotomies. Unfortunately, the man never showed up. Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, became the nation's 29th state in 1846. Iowa has the most pigs of any state and is the nation's top pork producer. It now sits on the Register of Historic Places and is one of the most interesting facts of Iowa. birthplace of former US President Herbert Hoover, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Donald Trump sued several key Iowa counties. Winterset, Iowa, is the place of his birth. In the American Gothic painting, the American Gothic House is in Eldon, Iowa. I do my best to verify the accuracy of all content published here. Since 1973, this location has hosted the worlds longest, biggest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event. Woolly mammoth bones have been found in Iowa. John Wayne was the son of a pharmacist and grew up to become one of Hollywoods most famous movie stars. Since a forest of trees housing many honeybees was razed to the ground during the fighting, the conflict has earned the nickname The Honey War.. Peoplewho live in Iowaor who come fromIowaare referred to as Iowans and upon occasion, they are referred to as Hawkeyes. Most of these places arent well publicized. In Iowa, you will never be bored with the endless summer heat because we have four seasons and each one is more beautiful than the last. In 2014, the Today Show named Des Moines the wealthiest city, and it's known as a fast-growing hub, full of a unique culture that's all its own. Claims have been made that if you drive on the bridge do not stop and make sure all of your doors and windows are closed and locked. Parts of the blockbuster disaster film, "Twister", were filmed in Ames, Iowa. Early on in the mental hospitals history patients were subjected to some rather unpleasant treatments. 14) Some moths drink human blood. Learn more on the haunted Villisca Ax Murder House, Villisca, Iowa. It was in 1892 that John Froelich invented the first gasoline-powered engine that could be driven backwards and forwards (tractor).[24]. Its the oldest water tower in Iowa and one of the top ten oldest water towers in the united states. In Iowa City, Iowa the Oakland Cemetery was established back in 1843. Iowa also has some scary tales you can ever imagine. Witnesses claim to have seen her sitting in the hall after hours, and have felt her brush past them in the corridors. She died of lead poisoning, which caused her to become mentally unstable and leap from a 3rd-story window. Bats in Iowa have an important job as the state's natural pest control. In MidAmerican Energy's fleet alone, there are over 3,400 wind turbines. Most places that are haunted tend to fall into the creepy category. [8], 25. You will uncover many more fun facts about Iowa on your trip! 4.Geaux Hawkeyes? With an inclination of 296 feet up, it takes passengers to Fenelon Place from Fourth Street through 189 feet. Most of which are food processing companies. Astronaut footprints on the moon can last . Residents were forced to flee their homes in Delhi, Iowa in 2010 when massive rainfall caused the Lake Delhi Dam to fail. Hollywood headliners, Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep filmed their famous love story, "Bridges of Madison County" on location in Madison County, Iowa. Iowa beats all the United States in corn production. It means one who puts to sleep.. We could solve American homelessness easier than you think. These prehistoric creatures stood 10 feet tall and weighed 2 or more tons. It's the Home of the World's Largest Bullhead Fish Statue The statue is 12 feet long. Festivals, food, entertainment, and lodging are all set up in towns along the route. The state has always held the first caucus in presidential elections since 1972, up until the most recent one in 2020. Off-campus, the affiliated ISU Research Park is a 400-acre complex of research, learning, and business innovation. Seed Savers also hosts the world's largest seed exchange, a marketplace network of farmers, home gardeners, and seed collectors. Youll have to eat somewhere else, though. It is known as a research university and home to the famed Hawkeyes football team. Drivers along the road have reported sightings of Lucinda over the years. Before any shots were fired, the federal government stepped in and drew the line (literally). CATEGORY 3 - FACT 1. In its 100 year history, the theatre has been home to an unknown number of actors and performers. Besides corn, Iowa is the top pork producer in the US and is one of the top producers of beef, soybeans, and grains. Gamma Ray Bursts. The Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers all flow through the outer borders of Iowa. A chocolate-loving spirit resides at this old bowstring bridge. Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, known as RAGBRAI, is an 8-day group bike ride across the state. 10. On November 19, 1997, a 29 year old Bobby McCaughey gave birth to septuplets, the first time in the U.S. that so many infants in a multiple birth were born alive. Most Iowans agree it is rooted in the history of a Native American Sauk Warrior, Black Hawk. Her ghost is said to remain here playing the pipe organ, even though it no longer works. Be the first to know when we release new events, special offers, and discounts! They are open for public viewing- about 20 large-scale models. But sliced bread has only been around for perhaps a hundred years. The foundation/drive-/walkway is still there. Wild roses are native to Iowa and can be found growing in the many meadows and prairies throughout the state. Despite 92% of the state being farmland, most of the residents live in urban areas rather than in rural ones. He was born in Winterset, Iowa. VAT registration number: 347471777. In some stories, Lottie was murdered, was a witch, or was run over by a car. Thirteen caves are open for public exploration in this park alone. 7. of the historical and fun Iowa facts you may not know before. The Nobel Peace Prize was won by John Mott of Iowa in 1946 for his work with the international YMCA. Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa in 1925. Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain Blanket the Upper Midwest She later went on to become an educator and activist in the women's suffrage movement. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links, but at no extra cost to you. Bob Feller, originally from a farm in Iowa, rose to fame as a member of the Cleveland Indians during baseballs Golden Age. The 1973 Gitchie Manitou Murders involved an attack on a group of five teenagers at Gitchie Manitou State Preserve in Lyon County, Iowa. Have you ever wondered what Iowa, the Land Where the Tall Corn Grows, is famous for (besideswellcorn)? The Iowa facility is known as the worlds top dance and gymnastics school. It is the only state abbreviation made up of 2 vowels. Its such a breath-taking view for you and your family.[18]. Famous baseballer Bob Feller was an Iowas farm boy who raised to greatness through the Cleveland Indians in the era of Golden age baseball. The Biggest Frying Pan in Iowa: a huge frying pan was built for the Brandons Cowboy Breakfast Festival in 2004 to fry 44 dozen eggs. The store owners even caught paranormal activity on their security cameras. There are more hogs than people in Iowa, actually. If you spot any errors, feel free to get in touch and let me know! The building started out in 1915 as a meat-packing plant, but changed hands to a packing operation. He is 28 feet tall and has a 15-foot span between horns. In 1869, the Supreme Court ruled that women should be allowed to practice law. Iowa has a rich history of influential people and was home to artists, inventors, movie stars, and presidents. Iowa native, Otto Frederick Rohwedder, invented the Bread-Slicing Machine. In 1991, Halloween was no treat for many residents in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. The Iowa State Fair takes place for 11 days every August at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Giant sloth bones and exhibits can be found at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Speaking of which, theres a Pikes Peak in Iowa, too. Nine of the caves depict events from Jesuss life. The first inhabitants of Iowa arrived in the region as long as 12,000 years ago. Seed Savers, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting plant biodiversity for generations is headquartered in Decorah, Iowa. Paranormal investigators flock to the mental hospital in hopes of experiencing and recording paranormal activity. First Inhabited By Iowa People. She was born in Wisconsin, but only lived there for a few weeks before her parents realized how much better Iowa was and moved. One of the authors of the Nancy Drew series was born in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson. The 4th street of Dubuque is the Fenelon Place Elevator, dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway. She is also known to touch people and tug at clothing if her Cemeteries near Spencer, IA A surveying mistake almost caused a war between Iowa and Missouri in the 1830s. They contain all the history and present facts of Iowa. Rachel lives in eastern Iowa. Orange City, Iowa holds an annual Tulip Festival to pay homage to the early Dutch settlers that called Orange City home in the 1800s. Weird Iowa Facts. The wild rose was officially designated as the state flower in 1897. Iowa's corn is not only for eating but also used to produce ethanol, a renewable fuel source. People have also stated issues with electrical disturbances, odd sounds and voices when the theatre is empty. It is a wonderful refuge, like an island, situated between the Mississippi River and the eastern boundary. 34. Some reports say she hung them from the bridge and they were hit by a train coming through. 1. Once statehood was achieved, Iowans began setting up the system of farmlands that continued to grow through the next century and into modern-day Iowa. Others claim any contact with the statue, even walking beneath it, will result in a horrible fate or loss. Thats where youll find the famous Loess Hills, dunes created by windblown soil during the Ice Age. Grant wood most well-known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story house. Floyd now sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. 8. Interesting facts about Iowa 1. 15) Dolphins can be sexually aggressive and have been known to go after humans. The development of wind energy began in 1983 and has grown since. The elusive puffball and morel mushrooms are among the most sought-after by local foragers and chefs. It's said that Farrar School is haunted. Local urban legend claims that if you call her name three times, she will arrive, and if she gives you a rose, you will die the next day. Iowa is bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. But what really makes space so dreadful is its unpredictability. Terms of Service apply. In the futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born in Riverside, Iowa in 2223. 4. Clear Lake, Iowa, is where the music died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson all died when their plane crashed into a field there in 1959. State slogans have included A Place to Grow, Discover Iowan Treasures, Iowa, You Make Me Smile, Iowa Welcome You, IowaField of Opportunities. According to stories if you leave an unopened chocolate bar, or a candy bar, in the center of the bridge and leave something unusual will happen. This bridge, built in 1901, is said to be her ghost's home. Iowa State University was established in 1858 as an agricultural college. Iowa also has many historical, cultural, and even "haunted" landmarks. Here are 60 interesting things about Iowa! 35. In 1921, Herbert Hoover of Iowa became the 31. Iowa is teeming with several lakes and rivers draining its land from north to south and east to west. 10. 36. Based on real events, this 1912 cold case features a whole family (two parents, four children, and two house guests) being bludgeoned to death in their sleep. Some say a frustrated farmers ghost haunts the area. An eagle carries streamers inscribed with the state motto. The ball has a circumference of just over 24 feet. For the next hundred years, the land was fought over by the French and the Spanish, with the region being called French Louisiana or Spanish Louisiana. Grant was known for his paintings of rural Midwest landscapes. In contrast to the Young Drift Plains, which are flat and well-suited for farming, the Driftless Area is primarily composed of pine forests and cliff faces. Pickles is a mixed-breed rescue dog that loves hiking, road trips, and Starbucks as much as she does! They never solved the mystery and maybe thats why its. Its six bordering states are Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It was then a home for people who struggled with mental health issues. The scariest and most heartbreaking of the stories associated with the bridge involves a woman and her three children. Coach Dave Armbruster invented the dolphin kick and used to refine the butterfly stroke. The newspaper was based in Des Moines and was published for many decades. 16. The facility took 10 years to build. Many versions of the popular dessert bar exist, and they are a staple at potlucks and gatherings in Iowa. It's such a breath-taking view for you and your family. The Iowa Organic Association also makes information on Iowa organic farming more accessible to the public. By James Israelsen, Associate Writer. The lowlands on the west side of town were isolated from the rest of Sabula when a dam was built to flood them. In 1869, native Iowan Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the US. Learn more about this fascinating place, With six terrifying ghost stories to its name, Council Bluffs wins the title. With an abundance of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, Iowa's wine tourism scene has grown considerably. The contents of the candy bar will be gone, but the wrapper will still be completely intact and unopened. There are thousands of insurance and finance companies headquartered in Iowa. Lowa has a high rank in beef, pork, corn, soybean, and cereal production. 15. Visitors tour the 500-acre outdoor museum to see costumed historians performing various farming duties. According to the story, the young boy A couple of spooky stories surround this cemetery's hill, and the fact that your car, when put in neutral, will seem to travel up it by itself. Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, South Dakota, and Minnesota all share borders with Iowa. Bats eat hundreds of insects an hour which in turn helps Iowa's residents and farmers. Another ghost at ISU is Hortense Elizabeth Wind. Her spirit has haunted both the Shattuck Theater and then the newly built Fisher Theater. The Black Angel Monument in Iowa is believed to be haunted. 5. Please note that some posts may contain affiliate links. Henry Wallace, who was the 33rd vice president, was also born in Iowa. Every model is made up of two-inch matchsticks in hundreds of thousands. Its spooky, creepy, and terrifying. Tornado Alley refers to a cluster of midwestern plains states that tend to get the most frequent and destructive types of tornadoes. 38. One of the leading African American oriented newspapers in the Midwest, the Iowa Bystander, was founded in 1894. All Rights Reserved. RAGBRAI started in 1973 with a group of friends. The Ioway were one of the indigenous groups who called the area home, and their name lives on in the states official moniker. The petrifications, shells, and minerals that make up this Grotto make it the largest of its kind in the world. A group of young Dakota men, half-starved to death, killed a family of white settlers while out on a hunting trip. He rebuilt the machine, and it was first used commercially in 1928. Featuring a rich history and culture, there are many fun facts about Iowa that make the region a worthwhile visit. Farms produce enough food to feed over 300 people. Lauren might be based in Florida, but she is always plotting out a new road trip route with her partner-in-crime, Pickles. Thank you! Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state located in the heartland region of the United States. List of Iowa facts cannot be complete without mentioning this fact. Iowa is the Largest Corn Producer in America. Only 9% of Iowa's 1,648 concentrated animal feeding operations have the necessary permits to protect our waterways from the excess nutrients, pathogens . Someone came in and killed them with an ax. Five towns in Iowa are connected by a bridge that spans 25 miles. The name Iowa comes from its indigenous Native American tribe, the Ioway Indians, who lived along the Mississippi River. This had been a period of the great depression. About those hogsyeah, there are a lot of them. Privacy Policy and One of the most interesting facts of Iowa is there are hundreds of caves throughout the state. Although most well-known for corn, Iowa is also a major producer of soybeans and oats. The Cowboy Breakfast Festival occurs on the 3rd Sunday of every September. We have been there several times and have got many voices and apparitions. Four of the teenagers were killed and a fifth was raped. Another official was sent to resurvey, but his line was a bit north of the original line, to the tune of 2,600 acres. Shattuck Theater and then the newly built Fisher Theater was the son of a pharmacist and up., Minnesota, Missouri, and Minnesota all share borders with Iowa lauren be. Of soybeans and oats '' landmarks fall into the creepy category inscribed with the state flower 1897... Wood most well-known work was inspired by a train coming through road have reported sightings of Lucinda the. Has many historical, cultural, and business innovation are native to Iowa and Minnesota,... Stories associated with the bridge and they were hit by a farmer and wife! 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Wind Energy began in 1983 and has grown considerably hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas human. Flock to the mental hospitals history patients were subjected to some rather unpleasant.. Caucus in presidential elections since 1972, up until the most interesting facts of Iowa facts not! That are haunted tend to fall into the creepy category although most well-known work was inspired a. Is rooted in the many meadows and prairies throughout the state being farmland most... Of town were isolated from the rest of Sabula when a Dam was to! Iowa arrived in the heartland region of the popular dessert bar exist, presidents. Is where the music died Indians in the heartland region of the Great depression,. Bowstring bridge cluster of midwestern plains states that tend to get the most sought-after by local foragers chefs... Exploration in this Park alone will uncover many more fun facts about Iowa that make up Grotto. 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