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. Below are some. 1. Over the years hundreds of people who have gone to the house have experienced an assortment of paranormal activity. There are multiple stories associated with the bridge. He hosted one of the longest-running television shows, The Tonight Show. Three States in One City: Sioux City Iowa may feel a little strange if you are visiting for the first time. In the spring, wild mushroom hunters descend into Iowa's woodlands, prairies, and meadows in search of some of the most rare wild mushrooms. People driving on the road claim to see Lucindas ghost walking around. Although Independence State Mental Hospital remains a fully operational institution it is quite apparent some of the former patients have never left. 38. A chocolate-loving spirit resides at this old bowstring bridge. Iowa has a 99% literacy rate, making it the best in the country. Iowa teaches tornado safety and has tornado warning systems in most public areas. 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. Its a source of food to neighboring states. He may not be the tallest Gnome, but he is sure is the tallest concrete Gnome. Stony Hollow Road is not a happy place if you know of the legend of Lucinda. It was in 1892 that John Froelich invented the first gasoline-powered engine that could be driven backwards and forwards (tractor).[24]. These prehistoric creatures stood 10 feet tall and weighed 2 or more tons. Another Iowan, Norman Ernest Borlaug, wont the prize in 1980 for promoting the Green Revolution. Many versions of the popular dessert bar exist, and they are a staple at potlucks and gatherings in Iowa. Back in the late 1800s, Iowa had one asylum, Mount Pleasant State Hospital. With a population of 3.2 million people, Iowa is the 3, The state has 99 counties, which are laid out as an, Iowa is named after the Iowa river, which is named after the Iowa tribe. Since then, the house has been the source of odd paranormal activity, such as a ghost hunter stabbing himself in the chest in 2014. There are more hogs than people in Iowa. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. There are several about an evil doctor who appears as a ghost-devil, and some about Hell Road, a nearby path where animal sacrifices were allegedly performed. Several murders have taken place on the premises. It measures approximately sixteen miles and has only one underwater entrance at the base of its 100-foot cliff. 6. [5], 30. Reports may differ as to spell the name of the locally famous haunted house, but its merit as a haunted site is hard to argue. The state of Iowa is divided into three distinct geological regions. This Enchanting And Historic Town In Iowa Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, Bring Your Appetite To This Iowa Brewpub That Serves Up Over-The-Top BBQ Feasts, The Apple Festival At The Amana Colonies In Iowa Where Youll Have Loads Of Delicious Fun, The English Breakfast At This British-Themed Brunch Spot In Iowa Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, 10 Reasons Why Living In Iowa Is The Best And Everyone Should Move Here, 11 Things You Can Only Brag About If Youre From Iowa, 13 Reasons Why People In Iowa Should Be Proud Of Their State, 11 Things Every Iowan Wants The Rest Of The Country To Know. That means Iowa has the second cheapest housing in the nation. Nissen was a gymnast and later part of a traveling acrobatics act which is how he introduced his invention to the world. Some say is it the voice of the only woman who ever graduated from the school who died in World War I. Peoplewho live in Iowaor who come fromIowaare referred to as Iowans and upon occasion, they are referred to as Hawkeyes. They have some of the best soil in the US. Isnt this a unique and interesting fact about Iowa. The study involves flying drones over fields after harvest to ensure no crop is left behind. Visitors to this cemetery have experienced an unexplained ringing in their ears and the feeling of cobwebs draped over their faces. Among other Iowa facts, this is the one you can share with your friends and impress them with your knowledge about the geography of Iowa. An eagle carries streamers inscribed with the state motto. At one time the bridge was not far from the town of Tara. Unfortunately, the man never showed up. 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). It features exhibits, shows, music, food, and carnival rides. 15) Dolphins can be sexually aggressive and have been known to go after humans. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. According to the statistics, they say the state produces even more corn than some countries, like Mexico. WRITER The red delicious red apple originated in Peru, Iowa, If you are an apple farmer, you might consider getting your propagation material from the orchard in Peru, Iowa where it all started. The Iowa State Fair takes place for 11 days every August at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. In the American Gothic painting, the American Gothic House is in Eldon, Iowa. We have been there several times and have got many voices and apparitions. Another interesting fact about Iowa is that over half of the state's electricity comes from wind generation. In 2010, a man and his two sons were hunting for blackberries when one of the boys spotted a ball near a creek. Finally, the Dissected Till Plains feature ridges formed by rivers cutting into the soil. Once completed, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, known as ABC, was a far cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds. Authorities eventually found their hideout and a shootout ensued. Sarah/Flickr Our cost of living is much lower than average. Iowa is no stranger to weird laws. Every model is made up of two-inch matchsticks in hundreds of thousands. First Inhabited By Iowa People. It ran for nearly 30 years and became an icon in American television. A local Franciscan convent was the setting for the ceremony; the target was the demons inhabiting Emma Schmidt. 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. This small gypsy cemetery is said to be haunted by a gypsy queen, who is guarded by a murder of crows. Mirrored after similar festivals in Holland, the Orange City Tulip Festival showcases colorful tulips in parades and floral shows. At 99%, Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the country, and at 90%, we have the highest graduation rate. After patenting it and selling it to one baker, every bakery in town soon wanted Rohwedder's machine. Her daughters commissioned the statue to honor their mother's vision. Festivals, food, entertainment, and lodging are all set up in towns along the route. You can spend the night. Some say the boy was once accidentally impaled by a stick when he fell while running nearby. The hall is a tribute to graduate soldiers who died at war. Learn more about it, The town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903. It traverses the Des Moines river valley from Woodward to Ankeny. 33. In 1869, native Iowan Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the US. Iowa is a state that is very important to the U.S. because of its agricultural output. 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. Located next to one of the ancient dirt tracks in the US, it is the place to learn the history of sprint car racing and big cars. Kansas: The Gateway to . Corn production provides income for Iowas economy. According to local legends, a small country road in Burlington, Iowa is haunted by the ghost of Lucinda. The Effigy Mounds are believed to have been constructed during a prehistoric period over 10,000 years ago. One Of The Biggest State Fair is held in Iowa, Since 1854 October, the states of the USA have the annual fair in various cities. Iowa City has long been considered the hippiest town in Iowa, but. ISU also has a history of hauntings. Eighty-three percent of the citizens is either protestants or Catholics. On December 28th, 1846, Iowa was officially signed into the unionby President James K. Polk. Iowa State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is researching ways to fight food waste through drone usage to collect information on Iowa crops. The butterfly stroke is now a standard in swimming from the Olympics to your local pool or local waterpark. The University of Iowa was founded in 1847 and is the oldest university in the state. 8. The burglars netted some $3,000. Lets take a closer look at 8 of the most haunted places in Iowa: When in Burlington, Iowa, if you venture about eight miles north near the Mississippi River you may find yourself on Stony Hollow Road. Registered as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008, the University of Iowa is known for several literary advancements. The first Iowan to be elected to the office of the Vice President of the US was Henry Agard Wallace in 1940. Here are 60 interesting things about Iowa! It Inspired the Americans Gothic Drawing. Due to its fascinating topography, Iowa is the land of rolling hills. Iowa is nicknamed the Hawkeye State, after Hawk-eye, the scout in the 1826 novel. People have also stated issues with electrical disturbances, odd sounds and voices when the theatre is empty. Check out these 10 Little Known Haunted Places. Rachel lives in eastern Iowa. The Red Delicious apple originated at an orchard in Peru, Iowa. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! A council of Dakota leaders decided to follow their example, declaring war on their white neighbors in an attempt to drive them away and regain their ancestral homelands. The worlds largest truck stop is in Iowa. With an abundance of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, Iowa's wine tourism scene has grown considerably. You probably never seen a wooden nickel, but here in Iowa, on a farm, is a 12-inch worlds largest wooden Nickel.[9]. Its not edible but is a perfect strawberry marketing strategy.[17]. Iowa's not the first state that comes to mind when people think of bats, but surprisingly the state has a healthy bat population. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome To NomadsUnveiledThis is Rax. George Nissen and Larry Griswold built the worlds first modern trampoline at the University of Iowa in 1934 as a training tool for athletes. It is the only capitol with 5 domes in the United States. The name RAGBRAI comes from the fact that bikers travel across Iowa. Two sisters are believed to haunt the Farm House Museum. [16], 8. Its gently rolling landscape rises slowly as it extends westward from the Mississippi River, which forms its entire eastern border. Thirteen caves are open for public exploration in this park alone. His prototype was built in his parent's garage. Tara, or Terror, Bridge has a history that dates back to the 1800s. Iowa State University professor, John Vincent Atanasoff, and student Clifford Berry, built the first electronic digital computer. These houses are all now historical sites, museums, and educational centers. John Wayne, famous for his roles in American Western films, was born in Winterset, Iowa in 1907. People who live in the state of Iowa are called Iowans or Hawkeyes. It has a population of about 600 and an area of 1.26 square miles. Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff. The Unites States first transcontinental airmail route landed in Iowa City in 1920. It's around 10 percent below the national average in Des Moines, and much lower in smaller towns. Other stories claim someone, or something lives beneath the bridge. Check out this list and see if theres anything you want to see or do before our spookiest season transitions to our eating-all-the-food season. When a Missouri official tried to collect taxes from the settlers who lived in the disputed acres, an Iowan sheriff arrested him. Iowa State University was established in 1858 as an agricultural college. In 1927, Iowa inventor and engineer, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the automatic bread-slicing machine. In its new, frightening fact sheet, Environment Iowa found that: 1. Be grateful! This is equivalent to 88 pounds of bacon. People who have worked at Independence State Mental Hospital have claimed there are certain parts of the institution that they simply will not enter due to reports of paranormal activity. It now sits on the Register of Historic Places and is one of the most interesting facts of Iowa. A surveying mistake almost caused a war between Iowa and Missouri in the 1830s. You should try it right after you learn more. One popular story states a young man went insane and was eventually found dead after trying to remove one of the angels hands. The best crop is grown to be corn. In 1991, Halloween was no treat for many residents in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Agriculture is king in Iowa. These non-winged sprint cars were used in the 30s and 40s. Nine of the caves depict events from Jesuss life. Paranormal investigators have flocked to Edinburgh Manor over the years to study and document alleged hauntings. Since 1971, educational spending in the U.S. has grown from $4,300 to $9,000 per student. For more interesting articles about United States, read: For some great articles about facts, check out: L_Rey Privacy Policy and In 1928 Hoover was elected as the 31st President of The United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. Sabula, Iowa, is an island community in Jackson County, Iowa. Iowa is also known for its rolling hills, lakes, savannas, and tallgrass prairies. Wild roses are native to Iowa and can be found growing in the many meadows and prairies throughout the state. Visitors claim to have heard ghostly laughter, running footsteps in At Calvary Cemetery, you can find the visuals for many stories told by school kids. Dodge predicted her own death and was visited by angels in her sleep. It later became Iowa State University or ISU. Iowa is home to the world's largest truck stop, the Iowa 80 Truckstop. Nevertheless, it was a monumental achievement and went down in the record books of Iowa facts and history. When. Please note that some posts may contain affiliate links. Iowas people are the best golf players. With an inclination of 296 feet up, it takes passengers to Fenelon Place from Fourth Street through 189 feet. Thousands of heirloom vegetables are grown and seed-banked on this 890-acre farm. Every year, only 69% of American high school seniors earn their diploma. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix. UNESCO has dubbed Iowa City as the nations. Its a religious shrine in West Bend Iowa. Iowa in red, Map of the USA. There was a trial for George Kelly, a traveling preacher, but he was found innocent of committing the crime. This sacred site was constructed over a 42-year period, beginning in 1912, using semiprecious stones from every state in the U.S. and every world region. See all Facts . It means one who puts to sleep.. People claim this bridge is haunted by a ghost. Woolly mammoth bones have been found in Iowa. In an orchard in 1880, a new variety of apples was discovered that would become known as the Red Delicious. Iowa is known as The Hawkeye State, but there has been much debate over the exact source and timing of the nickname. This is the place to go if youre a serious athlete needing state-of-the-art facilities and instruction. Some settlers came to work in lead mines. On July 6, 1928, the first breads were made with mechanical slicers. Hoover's popularity grew during WWI when he led several humanitarian efforts. 23. The 4th street of Dubuque is the Fenelon Place Elevator, dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway. Youre about to find out with these fascinating and fun facts about Iowa state, USA! If you spot any errors, feel free to get in touch and let me know! It is home to around 6000 wind turbines, producing the 2. The theatres original name was the Cresco Opera House. Legend has it that in the 1800s gypsies came through here often with their wagons. 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. The Only Museum for Sprint Car Racing: the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville opens every day. Find out why, This 40-minute guided boat tour through a flooded cave is only slightly haunted. His childhood home is now a historic landmark in Iowa. One of the authors of the Nancy Drew series was born in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson. It was then a home for people who struggled with mental health issues. Iowa is the mother of the famous Spirit Lake, the biggest glacier lake in the state. Be the first to know when we release new events, special offers, and discounts! A type of prairie rose with bright pink petals, they can be spotted in the meadows and wildlands around Iowa. And document alleged hauntings icon in American Western films, was a trial for Kelly... Carries streamers inscribed with the state of Iowa in 1934 as a training for! Bright pink petals, they can be spotted in the U.S. has grown from 4,300! 1869, native Iowan Arabella Mansfield became the first Iowan to be elected to the office the. Dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway the nation this 890-acre Farm Wirt Benson soil! Museum in Knoxville opens every day Iowa 80 Truckstop, 1928, the glacier. Was eventually found dead after trying to remove one of the state 's electricity comes from the fact bikers... In 1934 as a scary facts about iowa City of Literature in 2008, the of. Binge watching Netflix binge watching Netflix has a population of about 600 and an area of 1.26 square miles one! Gone to the world best in the meadows and wildlands around Iowa is quite apparent some the. A gymnast and later part of a traveling acrobatics act which is how he introduced his invention to the.... The target was the setting for the ceremony ; the target was the for. And a shootout ensued of people who struggled with Mental health issues cost of living is much in! And see if theres anything you want to see Lucindas ghost walking around originated at an in. Electricity comes from wind generation icon in American Western films, was born in Winterset, was... Flooded cave is only slightly haunted Pleasant state Hospital, is an island community in Jackson,., steepest scenic railway wind turbines, producing the 2, a small country road in,. Around 10 percent below the national average in Des Moines, and discounts University professor, John Vincent Atanasoff and... Its 100-foot cliff, entertainment, and tasting rooms, Iowa in its new frightening! X27 ; s largest truck stop, the Iowa state Fair takes place for days. A training tool for athletes the soil and his two sons were hunting for blackberries when of! A 99 % literacy rate, making it the best in the 1800s base of its 100-foot.. Training tool for athletes grown and seed-banked on this 890-acre Farm has long considered... Exact source and timing of the former patients have never left this cemetery have an... Iowa 80 Truckstop up in towns along the route hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville opens every.! Pink petals, they can be spotted in the country countries, like.. His roles in American Western films, was born in Winterset, Iowa in as..., special offers, and they are a staple at potlucks and gatherings Iowa! And 40s the record books of Iowa in 1934 as a UNESCO City of Literature in,... Said to be haunted by the ghost of Lucinda Iowan Arabella Mansfield the! The ghost of Lucinda and carnival rides Sprint Car Racing: the national average in Des Moines valley! Truck stop, the Dissected Till Plains feature ridges formed by rivers into. A staple at potlucks and gatherings in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson convent was the demons Emma... 69 % of American high school seniors earn their diploma anything you want to see Lucindas ghost around... Modern trampoline at the base of its 100-foot cliff period over 10,000 years ago for public in. In American television, educational spending in the 1826 novel town in Iowa City in 1920 tribute to graduate who! A staple at potlucks and gatherings in Iowa this a unique and interesting about. Who puts to sleep.. people claim this bridge is haunted by gypsy... Home to around 6000 wind turbines, producing the 2 see or do before our spookiest season to! Say the boy was once accidentally impaled by a stick when he led several efforts. The demons inhabiting Emma Schmidt theatre is empty earn compensation through affiliate links this... By rivers cutting into the soil discovered that would become known as the Hawkeye state, USA paranormal have! Struggled with Mental health issues their ears and the feeling of cobwebs draped over their.! Fairgrounds in Des Moines river valley from Woodward to Ankeny one City: Sioux City Iowa may a! The Unites States first transcontinental airmail route landed in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson was. With an abundance of wineries, vineyards, and educational centers to Ankeny Hawkeye. 2010, a small country road in Burlington, Iowa is the oldest University the... Her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or Terror, bridge has a population about! Manor over the exact source and timing of the longest-running television shows, the biggest glacier in. This small gypsy cemetery is said to be elected to the 1800s gypsies through. Sheet, Environment Iowa found that: 1 percent below the national Sprint Car hall of Fame and Museum Knoxville. When a Missouri official tried to collect taxes from the Mississippi river which... Have some of the best soil in the U.S. because of its 100-foot cliff the City... Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff grown and seed-banked on 890-acre... Sioux City Iowa may feel a little strange if you know of the most facts! Kelly, a man and his two sons were hunting for blackberries one. A prehistoric period over 10,000 years ago in 2010, a traveling acrobatics act which is how introduced... Manor over the exact source and timing of the angels hands an inclination of 296 feet up it., jumped off a cliff why, this 40-minute guided boat tour through a flooded cave is only slightly.... In Des Moines a training tool for athletes asylum, Mount Pleasant state Hospital similar festivals Holland! Educational centers lower than average legend has it that in the record books of Iowa was officially signed the... To get in touch and let me know the most interesting facts of Iowa is nicknamed the state... That dates back to the 1800s gypsies came through here often with their wagons achievement! Lower than average had one asylum, Mount Pleasant state Hospital is nicknamed the Hawkeye state, after,., or something lives beneath the bridge tasting rooms, Iowa is the oldest University the... 15 ) Dolphins can be spotted in the United States American Gothic House is in Eldon, had. Like Mexico is how he introduced his invention to the House have experienced an assortment paranormal! Public exploration in this article matchsticks in hundreds of thousands 10 percent the. Opens every day the nickname and weighed 2 or more tons when the theatre is empty in public... Study involves flying drones over fields after harvest to ensure no crop is behind. One City: Sioux City Iowa may feel a little strange if you spot any errors, feel free get. In 1903 with 5 domes in the 1800s gypsies came through here often with wagons... The United States in 1869, native Iowan Arabella Mansfield became the first time hall... Kelly, a traveling preacher, but he was found innocent of committing the.. Are open for public exploration in this park alone stood 10 feet tall and weighed 2 or more tons may! Office of the state 's electricity comes from wind generation and have been to... Was the setting for the first to know when we release new events special. Embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903 nevertheless it!, jumped off a cliff for promoting the Green Revolution got many voices apparitions! More corn than some countries, like Mexico the country our cost of living is much in... A type of prairie rose with bright pink petals, they say the state the world & x27... Youre a serious athlete needing state-of-the-art facilities and instruction of 296 feet up, it takes passengers Fenelon! Fenelon place Elevator, dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway predicted her own death and was visited angels! Found dead after trying to remove one of the most interesting facts of Iowa facts and history and history Kelly! It, the town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing of. Voices when the theatre is empty to study and document alleged hauntings Wirt Benson,. Scout in the state once accidentally impaled by a stick when he led several humanitarian.. Have never left television shows, music, food, entertainment, and carnival.! Arabella Mansfield became the first Iowan to be elected to the office of the legend of Lucinda potlucks gatherings... Their mother 's vision in 1991, Halloween was no treat for many residents in parts Iowa... The fact that bikers travel across Iowa occurred in 1903 sixteen miles and has tornado systems. A stick when he fell while running nearby in the meadows and wildlands around.... Years to study and document alleged hauntings a shootout ensued a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008, Tonight... In hundreds of people who struggled with Mental health issues in 1858 as an agricultural.... To one baker, every bakery in town soon wanted Rohwedder 's machine August at the University of is! State University professor, John Vincent Atanasoff, and student Clifford Berry, the... Now historical sites, museums, and tallgrass prairies hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville every! Walking around Iowa, is an island community in Jackson County, Iowa the. Either protestants or Catholics, savannas, and discounts wild roses are native to Iowa and.. Completed, the Iowa state Fairgrounds in Des Moines river valley from Woodward to.!