History of Iowa, USA

1844 - Mormon leader, Joseph Smith murdered; Mormons leave Iowa
In 1844, Joseph Smith, the founder and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church), was murdered in Carthage, Illinois. Smith, who had founded the church in 1830, faced growing opposition and hostility due to his religious teachings and practices, including the controversial doctrine of polygamy. Tensions escalated when Smith ordered the destruction of a local printing press that had published an exposé critical of him and his church. As a result, Smith was arrested and jailed in Carthage. On June 27, 1844, a mob stormed the jail and killed Smith and his brother Hyrum.

Following Smith's assassination, the Mormons faced increasing persecution and violence, prompting them to seek a new home where they could practice their faith in peace. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, Smith's successor, the Mormons decided to leave Iowa and embark on a perilous journey westward. This exodus eventually led them to the Salt Lake Valley in... Read MORE...


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1856 - First train from Chicago arrived Iowa City; band of Sioux indians massacred settlers at Spirit Lake

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1860 - June 4 - Iowa's Commanche Tornado , with wind speeds estimated in excess of 300 mph, was unquestionably one of the worst experienced by early settlers, with nearly a million dollars damage.

The Weather Channel
June 4, 1860

1867 - Grasshopper invasion occurred, crops damaged; first railroad completed through Iowa
In 1867, a significant event occurred in the American Midwest as grasshoppers invaded several states, including Iowa, causing widespread devastation to crops. This invasion, often referred to as the "grasshopper plague," resulted in massive agricultural losses, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers and communities. The voracious insects consumed crops such as corn, wheat, and oats, leading to food shortages and economic hardships for those affected.

Around the same time, another milestone was reached with the completion of the first railroad through Iowa. This marked a significant development in the state's transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The completion of the railroad provided a faster and more efficient means of transportation for both goods and people, linking Iowa to broader national markets and facilitating the movement of settlers and resources across the region.
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1870 - Iowa plants every year a forest of 5,000,000 trees. Within considerably less than half a dozen years, 25,000,000 forest trees have been planted, and are now growing in the Northwest.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 5, 1870

January 7, 1873 - A blizzard raged across the Great Plains. Many pioneers, unprepared for the cold and snow, perished in southwest Minnesota and northwestern Iowa.

WeatherForYou.com

1882 - June 17 - A tornado traveled more than 200 miles across the state of Iowa killing 130 persons.
The tornado touched down about ninety miles west of Grinnell, and struck the town and college around sunset, killing sixty persons, and causing more than half a million dollars damage. Traveling at nearly 60 mph, the tornado hit Mount Pleasant about 11 PM causing another half a million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com
June 17, 1882

1890 - Huge meteor struck ground 11 miles northwest of Forest City
In 1890, a significant event occurred when a massive meteor struck the ground approximately 11 miles northwest of Forest City. The impact of the meteor created a spectacle that captured the attention of people far and wide. Witnesses reported a brilliant streak of light across the sky, followed by a tremendous explosion as the meteor hit the earth. The impact left a sizable crater, marking the spot where the meteorite had collided with the ground.
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1893 - July 6 - Pomeroy tornado struck Calhoun County, destroyed 80% of homes, killed 71 and injured 200

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1895 - Iowa
Iowa (named from the Ioway Indians, a tribe of the Dakota stock), a north-central state of the American Union, situated in the Mississippi Valley, and bounded N. by Minnesota, E. by Wisconsin and Illinois, S. by Missouri, and W. by Nebraska and South Dakota. Its northern limit is the parallel of 43° 31' N. lat. The Mississippi washes its E. border; on the S. is the parallel of 40°36' N.; but the Des Moines River, for a little distance, is its southern boundary, while the rivers Big Sioux and Missouri, on the W., respectively divide it from South Dakota and Nebraska. Area, 56,025 square miles, one-half of which in 1890 was under cultivation...

Pop. in 1838, 22,859; in 1840, 43,112; in 1846, 97,588; in 1850, 192,214; in 1860, 674,913; in 1870, 1,194,020; in 1875, 1,350,544; in 1880, 1,624,615; in 1890, 1,911,896.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1909 - Earthquake felt in eastern Iowa

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1916 - Prohobition closed Iowa breweries
In 1916, Iowa took a significant step towards the national prohibition of alcohol by closing its breweries. This action was part of a broader trend in the United States at the time, fueled by the temperance movement's push for alcohol prohibition. The closure of breweries in Iowa was a reflection of changing societal attitudes towards alcohol, with many believing that prohibition would lead to a more moral and productive society.

The closure of breweries in Iowa had significant economic and social impacts. Many breweries were forced to shut down, leading to job losses and economic hardship for workers in the brewing industry. Additionally, the closure of breweries was met with resistance from some sectors of society, leading to increased enforcement efforts by authorities.
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1920 - Devil's Backbone designated Iowa's first state park
In 1920, the picturesque area known as Devil's Backbone became Iowa's first state park. This designation marked a significant moment in the state's conservation efforts, recognizing the natural beauty and cultural significance of the site. Devil's Backbone, located near the town of Strawberry Point, features a rugged limestone ridge that stretches for about a mile, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in geological formations, with dramatic cliffs and valleys shaped by ancient glacial activity.

The creation of Devil's Backbone State Park reflected a growing awareness of the need to protect Iowa's natural resources for future generations. It provided a recreational retreat for residents and visitors alike, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and nature observation.
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1925 - August 18 - During the late morning hours a severe hailstorm struck southeastern Iowa completely destroying crops along a path six to ten miles wide and 75 miles long.
The hail also injured and killed poultry and livestock, and caused a total of 2.5 million dollars damage. The hailstorm flattened fields of corn to such an extent that many had to leave their farms in search of other work. It was one of the worst hailstorms of record for the nation.
The Weather Channel
August 18, 1925

1983 - Last Maytag wringer washer produced
In 1983, the Maytag Corporation, a renowned American appliance manufacturer, marked the end of an era with the production of its last wringer washer. The wringer washer, a staple in many households since the early 20th century, was an essential tool for washing clothes before the widespread adoption of automatic washing machines. The Maytag wringer washer was known for its durability and reliability, often becoming a trusted companion in countless homes across the country.

The discontinuation of the Maytag wringer washer in 1983 symbolized the shift in consumer preference towards more modern and automated laundry appliances. This marked the end of an era for an appliance that had been a familiar sight in American homes for decades, signifying the march of progress in technology and the changing lifestyles of American families.
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2023 - Iowa has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Hawkeye State:
Visit Des Moines: Iowa's capital city, Des Moines, has a lot to offer. Explore the Des Moines Art Center, visit the Iowa State Capitol, and stroll through the East Village for unique shops and restaurants.

Field of Dreams Movie Site: If you're a fan of the classic baseball film "Field of Dreams," make the pilgrimage to the movie site near Dyersville. You can even play catch on the iconic field.

Amana Colonies: Discover the history and heritage of the Amana Colonies, a group of seven villages founded by German immigrants. You can explore museums, shops, and enjoy traditional German cuisine.

Iowa State Fair: Held annually in Des Moines, the Iowa State Fair is one of the largest and most famous state fairs in the United States. Enjoy carnival rides, food on a stick, and live entertainment.

Maquoketa Caves State Park: Explore the underground wonders of Maquoketa Caves State Park. The park features limestone caves, scenic hiking trails, and a visitor center.

John Wayne... Read MORE...