Happy National Iowa Day – 2025

Happy Iowa Day!

Today is National Iowa Day for 2025. . .

Happy National Iowa Day ! ! !

Which State is IA:

The Beginning Years: It is believed that Iowa’s ancient history includes the arrival of the first people, agriculture development, and European explorers. The first inhabitants were Paleo-Indians, ancestors of Native Americans, who lived in Iowa over 5,000 years ago. They were hunters and gatherers and left behind large stone points. The Woodland Culture built mounds along the Mississippi River, and during the Late Archaic period, domesticated plants were introduced. The Late Prehistoric period saw increased maize use and the rise of year-round settlements. The first Europeans, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, arrived in 1673, and Robert de La Salle claimed the area for France in 1682. Diseases and trade goods changed the population and social structure. Native American tribes included the Sioux, Sauk, Fox, Ioway, and Otoe, while the Potawatomi, Oto, and Missouri Indians sold their land to the government by 1830.

Iowa Map courtesy of Openverse

More History: The state of Iowa’s history includes the arrival of the people of the French exploration, the Louisiana Purchase, and the establishment of statehood. French explorers reached the region in 1673, claiming Iowa in 1682, and then the U. S. purchased it in 1803. The Iowa Territory was set up in 1838, and Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846, with Iowa City as its first capital before moving to Des Moines in 1857. During the Civil War, Iowa supported the Union and contributed to the Underground Railroad. Agricultural expansion led to larger farms and increased exports of corn, wheat, beef, and pork. Iowa also started holding the first caucuses in 1972 for presidential candidates.

Video: Courtesy of Firepaw Bear @FirepawBear on YouTube – Iowa Stubborn – [The Music Man (2003) – Disney Version].mov

Climate of Iowa: Iowa has a climate is known for its humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: cold winters, hot and humid summers, and wet springs. In winter, January temperatures average about 14°F in the northwest and 22°F in the southeast, with light snowfall but some heavy snowfalls possible in late autumn and early spring. Summers see average highs of around 74°F in July, along with frequent rain and thunderstorms. Spring weather can be unpredictable, with intense thunderstorms and temperatures reaching the 50s and 60s by April. Fall is usually the nicest season. Iowa faces increased flooding and droughts due to climate change, which may intensify extreme weather events. Iowa has an average of 200 sunny days per year, approximately 55% of days being sunny.

Video: Courtesy of Ian Berwick @IanBerwick on YouTube – USA State Song: Iowa – The Song of Iowa

More About Iowa: Throughout the years, Iowa has earned the titles of being known for its political caucuses, being the first state to hold caucuses in presidential primaries. It is a leader in agriculture, producing corn for over 150 years, as well as significant amounts of pork, soybeans, and eggs. A popular dish is the breaded pork tenderloin, which comes from German schnitzel. Iowa has various outdoor attractions like Maquoketa Caves State Park, which has more caves than any other state park, and the Grotto of the Redemption, a religious shrine. Other highlights include the Iowa State Fair, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.

The Great Location of Iowa: The state of Iowa spans 310 miles in length and 200 miles wide. It is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, and Nebraska and South Dakota to the west.

Greetings from Iowa - Large Letter Postcard (4453936718).jpg

Greetings from Iowa – Large Letter Postcard (4453936718) courtesy of Openverse

Iowa’s Statehood Facts:

Date: 12/28/1846
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3,241,488 (2024)
Size: Land area of 55,857 square miles; Total area of 56,273 square miles
Nickname: The Hawkeye State & The First State
State Motto: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain
Tree: Oak (Quercusmacrocarpa)
Flower: Wild Prairie Rose (Rosapratincola),
Bird: Eastern Goldfinch (Spinus Tristis)

The History:

Iowa Officially Adopted as a U.S. State, State Song, Admission Date & Iowa Flag
State Name Info ♪ State Song ♫	Admission	Capital	Flag Image
29^th State. Iowa Territory (partial) “Iowa Stubborn” from The Music Man (Modern), “The Song of Iowa” Melchior Franck (Original)	12/28/1846	Des Moines

See: Officially Adopted as a U.S. States, State Songs, Admission Dates & Flags at:

National States & Capitals Day – 2024

Some Great Iowa Sites: Here is a list of some some great places to visit while in Iowa:

Field of Dreams Movie Site, 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060
Fenelon Place Elevator Co., 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001
Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597
Capitol Building, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
Downtown Farmers Market, 300 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Horseshoe Council Bluffs, 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Adventureland Park, 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009
Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Mines of Spain Recreation Area, 10426 Mines of Spain Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003

STATE FLAG_IA.png

Memorable Iowa Events: Here is a list of some events that happened in Iowa:

1673: Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette are the first Europeans to visit Iowa.
1682: Robert de La Salle claims Iowa for France as part of the Louisiana Territory.
1788: The first permanent settlement is established in Dubuque.
1803: Iowa becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
1804: Explorers Lewis and Clark travel through Iowa on their way to the Pacific Ocean.
1808: Fort Madison is built by the U.S. Army.
1812: Iowa becomes part of the Missouri Territory.
1832: The Black Hawk War occurs.
1838: The Iowa Territory is established.
1846: Iowa is admitted to the Union becoming the 29^th state.
1857: Des Moines becomes the capital city.
1928: Iowan Herbert Hoover is elected the 31st U.S. president.

MLB at Field of Dreams (aerial view)

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