Officially nicknamed "The Hawkeye State," Iowa was the 29 th state to join the United States of America on December 28, 1846. Worlds first electronic digital computer, Professor John Atanasoff and student Clifford Berry (both USA) created theworlds first electronic digital computer the AtanasoffBerryComputer(ABC) at Iowa State University, USA, between 1937 and 1942. You probably never seen a wooden nickel, but here in Iowa, on a farm, is a 12-inch worlds largest wooden Nickel.[9]. The mounds are shaped like different animals, including deer, bears, bison, and panthers. One of the authors of the Nancy Drew series was born in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson. Visitors to this cemetery have experienced an unexplained ringing in their ears and the feeling of cobwebs draped over their faces. Learn more on the haunted Villisca Ax Murder House, Villisca, Iowa. This bridge, built in 1901, is said to be her ghost's home. Sound on Earth travels through vibrations in the air. It was a long time ago, but this bone-chilling story of multiple murders remains alive. The state of Iowa is divided into three distinct geological regions. The name RAGBRAI comes from the fact that bikers travel across Iowa. [PDF]. Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States. In Iowa City, Iowa the Oakland Cemetery was established back in 1843. 16. This historic theatre is believed to be haunted by the apparition of a young girl who was murdered nearby. Most of which are food processing companies. #scaryfacts #horrifyingfacts. I do my best to verify the accuracy of all content published here. Locals say the spirit of an old man in a plaid shirt and chinos walks along the way, stopping several times as if he is checking to make sure the motel Loon Lake Cemetery is said to be haunted--and dangerous. FARGO -- If you think ghosts and goblins are scary, just try trick-or-treating in a blizzard. People driving on the road claim to see Lucindas ghost walking around. [7], 27. Des Moines serves as the state capital and the largest city in Iowa. Sioux City, Iowa 78.2 miles from Spencer, IA. All Rights Reserved. Here are 15 things you probably didnt know about the Hawkeye State. First Bread, the Slicing Machine, was Invented here, Bread is one of the worlds oldest prepared foods. There are 5 areas in Iowa that have been preserved as part of the Underground Railroad. With over 100 majors, Iowa State University is leading the way in science and technology in Iowa. Other stories claim someone, or something lives beneath the bridge. On December 18, 1846, Iowa was admitted to the US as the 29, The final Native American Indian claim to land in the state was removed by the. Drivers along the road have reported sightings of Lucinda over the years. One of the best things about Iowa is that there isn't a lot of traffic (with the exception of a few major roads), and there are almost never traffic jams, especially if you live in a small town or suburb. Iowa native George Nissen invented the trampoline in the 1930s. The college also holds one of the largest concentrations of veterinary professionals, including the USDA's National Animal Disease Center, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and the Center for Veterinary Biologics. 1. If you want to visit someplace that is haunted that offers you more of a chuckle and a smile than fear, the Rainbow Bridge in Lake City, Iowa is the spot for you. The people of Iowa love to play golf. Iowa is an extremely safe place to live. In 1928 Hoover was elected as the 31st President of The United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. 5. If you visit the iced-over pond on that night, you can hear pounding on the ice and hear the screams of a young boy trapped beneath the ice. Its a natural water cave worth visiting. 2. Winterset, Iowa, is the place of his birth. The Iowa Tribe, also known as the Ioway, was part of the Sioux people that once inhabited the Midwest. 29. She later attended the University of Iowa and became the first student there to earn a master's in journalism. It wasnt actually an island until 1939, when the construction of a lock and dam system flooded the lowlands west of the town. The store owners even caught paranormal activity on their security cameras. If any member of their group was sick and dying, they would simply bury Locals say a little boy's ghost appears at this popular fishing spot. Thousands of heirloom vegetables are grown and seed-banked on this 890-acre farm. A seat has been seen rocking, slowly, all by itself, and it is said that the theatre's employees have many more stories to tell. Sioux City is also home to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, offering information on Iowa history. Interesting Facts About Iowa For Travelers, 25 Things Las Vegas Is Famous And Known For, 33 Things Los Angeles Is Known And Famous For, 15 Best Beaches In Calgary, Alberta To Visit, 15 Best Beaches In Washington State, WA To Visit, 35 Things South Korea Is Famous And Known For, 27 Interesting And Fun Facts About Tunisia [Explained], Population: 3.2 Million (31st Populous State in the U.S), Land Area: 58,272 sq mi / 145,746 km (26th Largest in U.S), Statehood: December 28, 1846 (29th U.S State). When. According to the statistics, they say the state produces even more corn than some countries, like Mexico. Most of Iowas citizens are Christians, If you are thinking of moving to Iowa and are Christian, worry not because there are enough churches in Iowa. Married women received property rights in 1851, and in 1869, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that women should be allowed to practice law, making Iowan Arabella Mansfield the first female lawyer in the U.S. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The mother then committed suicide by jumping off the bridge. Iowa State Facts Entered Union: Dec. 28, 1846 (29th State) Organized as territory: June 12, 1838 Present constitution adopted: 1857 Fun Facts State abbreviation/Postal code: Iowa/IA Nickname: The Hawkeye State Origin of name: From the Iowa River, which was named after the Ioway (or Bxoe) people. He developed strains of wheat that were disease-resistant. It was then a home for people who struggled with mental health issues. Her daughters commissioned the statue to honor their mother's vision. It is said that orbs of light can be seen here, but visitors trying to take pictures report that they feel a bit disoriented and find that their cameras mysteriously fail to work until they leave the area. To date, they have graduated over 7,500 veterinarians. Most of these places arent well publicized. The Red Delicious apple originated at an orchard in Peru, Iowa . The universe is completely silent. Visitors tour the 500-acre outdoor museum to see costumed historians performing various farming duties. Youll have to eat somewhere else, though. Early on in the conflict, a copse of trees containing a large number of honeybees was destroyed. The Goldfinch is a small migratory bird that prefers meadow habitats. The wild rose was officially designated as the state flower in 1897. He hosted one of the longest-running television shows, The Tonight Show. The Iowa facility is known as the worlds top dance and gymnastics school. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 40. Reports say that the apparition of a 12-year-old girl in a rocking chair was seen rocking next to her grave. There are several natural lakes in Iowa. Spirit Lake, the largest glacier lake in Iowa, can trace its origins back to Hawkeye State. Pickles is a mixed-breed rescue dog that loves hiking, road trips, and Starbucks as much as she does! CATEGORY 3 - FACT 1. Iowa is the mother of the famous Spirit Lake, the biggest glacier lake in the state. In the futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born in Riverside, Iowa in 2223. Bob Feller, originally from a farm in Iowa, rose to fame as a member of the Cleveland Indians during baseballs Golden Age. The University of Iowa was founded in 1847 and is the oldest university in the state. What are some of your favorite things about our state? The mounds are now a National Historic Site and are considered sacred to Native Americans. So far there are about 70 excellent designs stretching from Wright Brothers Flyer to Notre Dame Cathedral. We could solve American homelessness easier than you think. An access road was completed shortly after the hotel was built which directly connected the Hotel with the Depot. The statescapital is Des Moines. Liang Chow, the gymnastics coach from Des Moines, has successfully coached two Olympic champions in the sport. 2. People often refer to it as the Island City. The first commercial pre-sliced bread, the famous Wonder Bread, appeared on store shelves. The University of Iowa is credited with being the birthplace of the butterfly stroke. Iowa is considered the most Midwestern state in the U.S. and offers plenty of historical and cultural experiences. A record number of Des Moines Public School students don't necessarily know where they'll go after class, which may be harder than going to class itself. High school dropouts are 8 times more . 12. 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. Housed in a building that was once the city hall, the museum is said to be haunted by the ghost of a little blonde girl who appears wearing a blue 19th-century dress and white apron. The Iowa State Fair takes place for 11 days every August at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. According to one story, a car full of football players was in an accident here when the car stalled. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't a. Agriculture is king in Iowa. RAGBRAI covers over 460 miles across Iowa, with several towns hosting participants along the way. Its six bordering states are Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Many overnight guests have recently interacted with ghosts of former residents. John Wayne, the son of a pharmacist, became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Privacy Policy  |   Terms & Conditions Iowa is teeming with several lakes and rivers draining its land from north to south and east to west. Also, an apparition of a crying woman has been seen walking down the hall. He later moved to Los Angeles and won his title role as Frodo Baggins in "Lord of the Rings," launching his now-famous career. John went on to start a company which became known as John Deere. A marker now covers the field where the shooting took place. Black Hawk County in Iowa is also named for the famed warrior. Iowa even had a regiment called the Greybeards because the men were all considered elderly, including one octogenarian. The butterfly stroke is now a standard in swimming from the Olympics to your local pool or local waterpark. If you want to visit someplace that is haunted that offers you more of a chuckle and a smile than fear, the Rainbow Bridge in Lake City, Iowa is the spot for you. The eastern and the western borders of the state are completely formed by the rivers. It is known as "one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country." 36. A group of young Dakota men, half-starved to death, killed a family of white settlers while out on a hunting trip. Grant was known for his paintings of rural Midwest landscapes. The Unites States first transcontinental airmail route landed in Iowa City in 1920. CATEGORY 3 - FACT 2. Although most well-known for corn, Iowa is also a major producer of soybeans and oats. Lauren might be based in Florida, but she is always plotting out a new road trip route with her partner-in-crime, Pickles. The owner invites paranormal investigators and interested guests alike to visit Mason House Inn. Both governors made battle threats, and militias and volunteers were mobilized to the border. His film career ended up spanning several decades, and he became both an icon and controversial figure in American pop culture. Read more on the haunted Independence State Mental Hospital, Independence, Iowa. Some of the paranormal reports at this mental hospital include the feeling of being watched by someone or something. Five towns in Iowa are connected by a bridge that spans 25 miles. The governors of each state threatened each other with combat, with militias and volunteers called to gather at the border. If you own a horse and live in Marshalltown, dont let your horse eat fire hydrants; its also forbidden. It Inspired the Americans Gothic Drawing. Iowa is bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. It later became Iowa State University or ISU. In a 2012 tour of the US, now China president. They never solved the mystery and maybe thats why its. 21 Fun Iowa Facts. In 1682, they claimed the region for France. But if you, like most people, find that Red Delicious apples are perhaps not as tasty as the name might imply, dont blame Iowa. Thats where youll find the famous Loess Hills, dunes created by windblown soil during the Ice Age. 6. Its no secret that Iowa is the best place to live. They are recreational centers since they are ice skating spots in winter and fishing and boat-riding venues in summer. She was one of the ghostwriters that published as Carolyn Keene.. Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff. For more interesting articles about United States, read: For some great articles about facts, check out: L_Rey Thirteen caves are open for public exploration in this park alone. The bodies were discovered the following morning when a concerned neighbor contacted Ross Moore, Josiahs brother. Iowa State University is the oldest land grant college in the U.S.A. Decorah hosts Nordic Fest a three-day celebration of Decorah's Scandinavian heritage. One of the most well-known facts about the state of Iowa is that they are the top corn producer in the United States. It is believed that Mrs. Its the home to the house that Grant Wood painted back in his studio of the Americans Gothic. Participants come from all the 50 states and other continents. Left-handers are supposed to die 3 years earlier . 42. The Christmas Chapel contains a 300-lb. Sergeant Charles Floyd died during the expedition in what is now known as Sioux City, Iowa. Twenty-five Percent is Generated by Wind Power, In terms ofwind powercapacity installed,Iowa isthe third in the nation after Texas (23,262 MW) and Oklahoma (7,495 MW). One popular story states a young man went insane and was eventually found dead after trying to remove one of the angels hands. Iowa's corn is not only for eating but also used to produce ethanol, a renewable fuel source. Stony Hollow Road is not a happy place if you know of the legend of Lucinda. The truck stop is not just a place for truckers to park their bread and butter earning machines, but it also hasa barbershop, chiropractor, and a huge museum with antique trucks. Over 20 modern-day tribal nations across the Midwest have cultural associations with the Effigy Mounds. Iowa also leads the US in ethanol production. 43. The state has always held the first caucus in presidential elections since 1972, up until the most recent one in 2020. The ghost has been seen walking along the bank of the pit. Henry Grahame. Iowa is the only state bordered by two navigable rivers; the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi River to the east. The fair is held over 11 days every year in August and it attracts more than a million visitors. 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