He later attended Stanford University and became a mining engineer. Iowa State University professor, John Vincent Atanasoff, and student Clifford Berry, built the first electronic digital computer. The Ioway were one of the indigenous groups who called the area home, and their name lives on in the states official moniker. The 1973 Gitchie Manitou Murders involved an attack on a group of five teenagers at Gitchie Manitou State Preserve in Lyon County, Iowa. Over 150 people have died on the grounds of Edinburgh Manor. There are several natural lakes in Iowa. 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. 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. Its six bordering states are Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Its only 12,980 feet shorter than the one in Colorado. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions However, sliced bread has been around for less than a century. You can spend the night. It has a population of about 600 and an area of 1.26 square miles. Gamma Ray Bursts. Check out some of these interesting Iowa facts. Image: Wikimedia. Her spirit has haunted both the Shattuck Theater and then the newly built Fisher Theater. The name RAGBRAI comes from the fact that bikers travel across Iowa. While on the run from the police, Bonnie and Clyde hid in an abandoned amusement park in Dexter, Iowa for several days. Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff. Developed by Engineering Professor Partha Sarkar, the simulator helps scientists study the effects of tornadoes for better planning on communities they threaten. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery. The name Iowa comes from its indigenous Native American tribe, the Ioway Indians, who lived along the Mississippi River. Numerous witnesses have reported seeing the ghost. [23], 41. In 2010, a man and his two sons were hunting for blackberries when one of the boys spotted a ball near a creek. The butterfly stroke is now a standard in swimming from the Olympics to your local pool or local waterpark. The Cowboy Breakfast Festival occurs on the 3rd Sunday of every September. These matchsticks have been glued, warped, and shaped together. That facility was meant to house drug addicts, alcoholics, the mentally ill, the elderly, and the criminally insane. About those hogsyeah, there are a lot of them. Residents of this dorm have reported hearing a girl choking and gagging at night. In 2014, the Today Show named Des Moines the wealthiest city, and it's known as a fast-growing hub, full of a unique culture that's all its own. The 16-foot wooden nickel, protesting a county road paving proposition, sits off Iowa Interstate 80 and has become a popular tourist stop. Since then, the house has been the source of odd paranormal activity, such as a ghost hunter stabbing himself in the chest in 2014. The state is named after the Ioway people, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Once statehood was achieved, Iowans began setting up the system of farmlands that continued to grow through the next century and into modern-day Iowa. The surveyors state boundary line slanted four miles further north on the east side than the west because he forgot to adjust his compass. It is one of the busiest libraries in the state and holds much information on Iowa for research. The postal abbreviation for Iowa is IA. Thousands of heirloom vegetables are grown and seed-banked on this 890-acre farm. State slogans have included A Place to Grow, Discover Iowan Treasures, Iowa, You Make Me Smile, Iowa Welcome You, IowaField of Opportunities. Henry Wallace, who was the 33rd vice president, was also born in Iowa. The petrifications, shells, and minerals that make up this Grotto make it the largest of its kind in the world. 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 Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is known for groundbreaking cancer research and treatment. According to local lore, three witches were violently executed and were buried here, but not before threatening to curse anyone who desecrated their graves. People driving on the road claim to see Lucindas ghost walking around. Iowa is the only state bordered by two navigable rivers; the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi River to the east. Rumor has it that a student killed himself there, and everyone who is assigned to that room either dies or disappears. This historic mansion is currently operated as a museum by the Blue Earth County Historical Society, and staff claim that even after the building has closed down for the night, some still walk the halls of the old house. It is known as "one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country." Nine of the caves depict events from Jesuss life. But in outer space, there is no air for sound to travel. Floyd now sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. 16. Its the largest cave in Iowa. This is equivalent to 88 pounds of bacon. Iowa was admitted to the union as the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846. As a nod to its rootsIowa was part of the Louisiana Purchasethe state flag bears the same vertical blue, white, and red stripes that the French flag does. As a Midwestern state, Iowa forms a bridge between the forests of the east and the grasslands of the high . Iowa was home to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes before the arrival of the first European settlers. Its such a breath-taking view for you and your family.[18]. Known as 'Frank', the poltergeist frequently slams doors and turns on lights after the place has been closed up for the night. According to stories, Lucinda had gone to meet the man she was secretly engaged to unfortunately he never showed. His film career ended up spanning several decades, and he became both an icon and controversial figure in American pop culture. Construction began in July 2017. A type of prairie rose with bright pink petals, they can be spotted in the meadows and wildlands around Iowa. People claim this bridge is haunted by a ghost. Most places that are haunted tend to fall into the creepy category. Three States in One City: Sioux City Iowa may feel a little strange if you are visiting for the first time. Electrical equipment, chemical products, publishing, and primary metal companies are a huge source of employment too. Thank you! If Iowa were a country, it would be similar in size to Tajikistan or Nepal. The universe is completely silent. This hike through Gitchie Manitou State Preserve will have you running down the trail. Local urban legend claims that if you call her name three times, she will arrive, and if she gives you a rose, you will die the next day. 34. Other tribes traditionally inhabiting the state were the Dakota Sioux, Missouria, Illini, Ioway and Otoe. Des Moines serves as the state capital and the largest city in Iowa. With these facts about Iowa, let us learn more about its history, people, geography, economy, culture, nature and wildlife and much more. 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. 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. Among 30 developed countries, the U.S. is ranked 25th in math and 21st in sciences. By 1930 sliced bread became a hot commodity. It was the highest number since 1970. There is only one town island in Iowa, Sabula town in Jackson County, Iowa, is located on an island in Mississippi river. The Stage Coach Inn was built in 1856 by John and Martha Moorhead; The Inn served a stage coach stop and the first court house in Ida County Iowa and was also the church, School as well as the first hospital in Ida grove were amputations sometimes accrued on the Local legend maintains that a woman once killed her 3 kids here. Seed Savers, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting plant biodiversity for generations is headquartered in Decorah, 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. Only 0.21% of Iowa states land is protected, one of the 10 lowest percentages of any state. Dating back to 1907, the historic former masonic temple and museum may have a resident ghost. Founded in 1879, The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine was the very first public veterinary school in America. 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. Iowa (nicknamed: Hawkeye State) has 99 counties. John Wayne, the son of a pharmacist, became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. [2], 19. In fact, the state even has an official state soil, called . OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Another Iowan, Norman Ernest Borlaug, wont the prize in 1980 for promoting the Green Revolution. Its the home to the house that Grant Wood painted back in his studio of the Americans Gothic. Legend has Staff at the theatre maintain that it is haunted by previous owner Mr. Goldie. If you want to learn more about the state, you can visit the wide range of exciting landmarks in Iowa, such as the Iowa State Historical Society or the State Historical Museum of Iowa. For more interesting articles about United States, read: For some great articles about facts, check out: L_Rey These houses are all now historical sites, museums, and educational centers. John Wayne was the son of a pharmacist and grew up to become one of Hollywoods most famous movie stars. Local Iowans performed as extras in the film. Festivals, food, entertainment, and lodging are all set up in towns along the route. The Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University is leading the way in tornado research with its tornado simulator. Its the biggest grotto in the world made of petrifications, shells, and minerals. Another ghost at ISU is Hortense Elizabeth Wind. Several murders have taken place on the premises. The Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers all flow through the outer borders of Iowa. Iowa: Villisca Axe Murder House. Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa in 1925. Rainbow Bridge in Lake City, Iowa. Feedback As Roman Catholic Capuchin Theophilus Riesinger worked, Emma is said to have flown across the room and clung to Local legend tells the tale of 15-year-old Kate Shelley, who in 1881 crawled across a badly damaged bridge during a terrible storm to warn an oncoming train that the bridge was out. 2. Back in the late 1800s, Iowa had one asylum, Mount Pleasant State Hospital. It serves as not only a place for drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, but it is also a psychiatric hospital and a training school for those wanting to become nurses. The horror film that follows the story of murderous cornfield children was filmed in several locations around Iowa. Iowa's nickname is "The Hawkeye State," after the Black Hawk War of 1832, fought between US troops and Sauk warriors led by Black Hawk. 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. High school dropouts are 8 times more . But, for people who dont already live here (and know how awesome Iowa is), here are a few interesting facts that may just make you want to move: There is just no place like Iowa. Locals tell a story of harrowing events that happen at 8:47 p.m. on December 23. Some say is it the voice of the only woman who ever graduated from the school who died in World War I. They worked on the computer from 1937 to 1942 at the University of Iowa. Manufacturing is the backbone of the states economy: there are countless manufacturing companies in Iowa. In the 1970s, Iowa accepted thousands of Southeast Asian refugees during the Indochina/. Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois, were joined for the first time in 1939 thanks to the construction of Lock and Dam. Stony Hollow Road is not a happy place if you know of the legend of Lucinda. No#:4 There are more Hogs than People. An archaeological dig later revealed much of the entire skeleton. Iowa also leads the US in ethanol production. It means one who puts to sleep.. Featuring a rich history and culture, there are many fun facts about Iowa that make the region a worthwhile visit. The newspaper was based in Des Moines and was published for many decades. He rebuilt the machine, and it was first used commercially in 1928. Weird Iowa Facts. The bridge is an impressive structure of half a mile in length and 130 feet in height. [13], 12. 10. Sioux City, Iowa 78.2 miles from Spencer, IA. Iowa is considered the most Midwestern state in the U.S. and offers plenty of historical and cultural experiences. 3. Its no secret that Iowa is the best place to live. Hogs Out-number the Human Population in Iowa! 2. Green Lawn Cemetery, aka CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 20 Cemetery and Traverse de Sioux Cemetery, is rumored to be haunted and a spot for animal sacrifices. Another official was sent to resurvey, but his line was a bit north of the original line, to the tune of 2,600 acres. Featuring live demonstrations of farm life from the 1700s to the 1900s, Living History Farms is a major educational attraction just outside of Des Moines. 2. 6. Iowa is the Largest Corn Producer in America. Iowa State University was established in 1858 as an agricultural college. Giant sloth bones and exhibits can be found at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. The Akron Area Museum, formerly the home of the Ross Family is haunted some say by the Materiach, Mrs. Lucille Ross. [1], The plane crash of 1959 that caused the death of famous singers and songwriters Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP happened near clear lake Iowa. In fact, the reason the abbreviation uses the first and last letters instead of the first two is to avoid confusing it with the number 10. The innovative creations are displayed at Matchstick Marvels Museum. Many legends are associated with the Black Angel. 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