Iowa is a state of rivers, rich soil, civic traditions, and influential American agriculture.
15 Essential Facts About Iowa
1. Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846.
Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846.
2. Des Moines is the capital and largest city.
Des Moines is the capital and largest city.
3. The Hawkeye State nickname is widely used.
The Hawkeye State nickname is widely used.
4. Iowa is a leading producer of corn and soybeans.
Iowa is a leading producer of corn and soybeans.
5. The Mississippi River forms the eastern border.
The Mississippi River forms the eastern border.
6. The Missouri River forms much of the western border.
The Missouri River forms much of the western border.
7. The state caucuses have an outsized role in presidential politics.
The state caucuses have an outsized role in presidential politics.
8. The Iowa State Fair is a celebrated annual tradition.
The Iowa State Fair is a celebrated annual tradition.
9. Loess Hills rise along the Missouri River valley.
Loess Hills rise along the Missouri River valley.
10. The state motto is Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.
The state motto is Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.
11. Iowa has a rich tradition of wrestling and basketball.
Iowa has a rich tradition of wrestling and basketball.
12. The Amana Colonies preserve a communal-history legacy.
The Amana Colonies preserve a communal-history legacy.
13. Iowa City was the first state capital.
Iowa City was the first state capital.
14. The University of Iowa helped pioneer creative-writing education.
The University of Iowa helped pioneer creative-writing education.
15. Iowa links agricultural innovation with small cities and river history.
Iowa links agricultural innovation with small cities and river history.