State Abbreviation: IA

Capital: Des Moines

Name Origin: Experts don’t agree on how Iowa got its name. Some say that the name comes from the Ioway tribe.

Nickname: The Hawkeye State

Statehood: December 28, 1846 (29th State)

State Motto: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain”

The Sauk and Meskwaki were the most influential indigenous nations in what is now known as Iowa. These closely related peoples were displaced westward by the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) and later by the French, eventually settling in Iowa during the 1700s. The first Europeans to explore the region were French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet in 1673. The United States acquired the land in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase.

Iowa was initially designated as the Iowa Indian Territory, and conflicts between settlers and natives in neighboring Illinois led to the displacement of Upper Mississippi tribes to the west bank of the river, into what is now Iowa. These conflicts culminated in the Black Hawk War in 1832 and 1837. By 1852, the United States had removed all native nations from Iowa, and today's native population in Iowa is descended from the Meskwaki and Sauk tribes, who later repurchased land from the state.

In 1846, when Iowa became a state, its capital was Iowa City. However, the more centrally located Des Moines became the new capital in 1857. During this period, a significant number of European settlers immigrated to the Midwest, drawn by the plentiful farmland. These settlers played a crucial role in the development of the state's railroad system in the 1850s. Iowans showed strong support for Abraham Lincoln and contributed 75,000 troops to the Union during the Civil War.

During the 1930s, Iowa faced agricultural difficulties that affected the entire nation. In response, proud Iowan Henry A. Wallace devised a system of farm subsidies, which involved paying farmers not to plant crops on their entire fields. This measure helped stabilize crop prices and allowed the soil to recover. Another notable Iowan, Norman Borlaug, won the Nobel Prize in the 1940s for his groundbreaking plant research. Since then, Iowa has experienced significant growth in its manufacturing sector.

For visitors to Iowa, notable attractions include the Herbert Hoover birthplace and library near West Branch, the Amana Colonies, Fort Dodge Historical Museum, Fort, and Stockade, and the Effigy Mounds National Monument. These sites offer glimpses into Iowa's diverse history and provide opportunities to explore its rich cultural heritage.

• Over 200 prehistoric earthen mounds in the shapes of giant panthers, bison, deer, and other animals stand at Effigy Mounds National Monument. The mounds are considered sacred to many Native Americans, and they may have been used by tribes as territory markers.
  
• President Herbert Hoover, television host Johnny Carson, showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and Mildred Wirt Benson (who wrote the Nancy Drew detective series under the pen name Caroline Keene) were all born in Iowa.
  
• The house that inspired artist Grant Wood’s famous painting “American Gothic” stands in Eldon, Iowa. It’s a top selfie spot: Visitors are encouraged to copy the pose of the people featured in the painting!"

1. Explore the Bridges of Madison County: Visit the picturesque covered bridges made famous by Robert James Waller's novel and the subsequent film adaptation. Take a scenic drive through Madison County, stopping at the various bridges to appreciate their historic charm and enjoy the beautiful rural landscapes.
2. Discover the Iowa State Capitol: Located in Des Moines, the Iowa State Capitol is an architectural marvel and a symbol of the state's rich history. Take a guided tour to explore the stunning interior, including the magnificent rotunda and legislative chambers, and learn about Iowa's government and heritage.
3. Visit the Field of Dreams: Baseball fans and movie enthusiasts will delight in a visit to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. Walk onto the iconic baseball field, where the movie was filmed, and experience the magic and nostalgia of this beloved film location. Play catch, take in the scenic views, and embrace the spirit of the game.
4. Explore the Amana Colonies: Immerse yourself in the unique culture and heritage of the Amana Colonies, a group of historic German communal settlements. Wander through the charming villages, browse the local shops, sample traditional German cuisine, and learn about the fascinating history of this tight-knit community.
5. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at the Great River Road: Follow the scenic Great River Road along the Mississippi River and indulge in outdoor activities. Hike through picturesque state parks, go boating or fishing on the river, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. Don't miss the opportunity to spot wildlife, witness stunning sunsets, and connect with nature in this serene setting.