CATEGORY 3 - FACT 2. For almost four decades, Patrick Acton form Gladbrook has been creating complex scale models using wooden matchsticks. Agriculture is king in Iowa. The morning of October 31, 1991, a storm which would eventually become known as the "Halloween Blizzard" in most of Minnesota and the "Halloween Ice Storm" in Iowa began moving quickly northeastward through the Mississippi Valley.. 2. The 1973 Gitchie Manitou Murders involved an attack on a group of five teenagers at Gitchie Manitou State Preserve in Lyon County, Iowa. Seed Savers, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting plant biodiversity for generations is headquartered in Decorah, Iowa. Besides corn, Iowa is the top pork producer in the US and is one of the top producers of beef, soybeans, and grains. Up until June 9, 1912, Villisca, Iowa was an ordinary town. Iowa has always been known for farming, but in recent years there has been an increase in the organic farming sector. The University of Iowa was founded in 1847 and is the oldest university in the state. Isnt this a unique and interesting fact about Iowa. In Iowa, Otto Frederick Rohwedder created the first bread-slicing machine. The kennel cough vaccine is now given around the world to protect dogs from this highly contagious respiratory virus. Well, Halloween is right around the corner and its time to put all of those amazing Iowa locations in one place. Dutch food, music, and art are also part of the festivities. Today the hospital is Independence State Mental Hospital. According to stories if you leave an unopened chocolate bar, or a candy bar, in the center of the bridge and leave something unusual will happen. There are multiple stories associated with the bridge. We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. 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. Learn about all six. An estimated 358,000 tourists visit Iowa's wine country per year. Check out these 10 Little Known Haunted Places, as soon as possible. Local Iowans performed as extras in the film. One of the most fun facts of Iowa is its rich soil also grows great grapes! The burglars netted some $3,000. Hoover's popularity grew during WWI when he led several humanitarian efforts. Some reports say she hung them from the bridge and they were hit by a train coming through. We will inform you as soon as tickets become available. After being empty for quite some time the house was purchased and the doors were opened to people interested in seeing the famous home where the murders took place. When. Officially nicknamed "The Hoosier State" and sometimes called "The Mother of Vice Presidents," Indiana was the 19 th state to join the United States of America on December 11, 1816. Patients come from all over Iowa and surrounding states for treatment at their esteemed cancer center. French explorers arrived in Iowa for the first time in 1673. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Before any shots were fired, the federal government stepped in and drew the line (literally). They have some of the best soil in the US. Shattuck was a major contributor to the Universitys theater department when she was alive. In its 100 year history, the theatre has been home to an unknown number of actors and performers. Many homes, schools, and other public buildings have storm shelters. Find museums in Spencer, IA, Cherokee Mental Health Institute Cemetery, Boone County Historical Society - Masonic Temple, Elk Grove Cemetery - Union Township Cemetery, Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum. Iowa is teeming with several lakes and rivers draining its land from north to south and east to west. Be grateful! Benson was born in 1905 in Ladora, Iowa. You will uncover many more fun facts about Iowa on your trip! In the beginning, Sabula was not a separate island. 5. We hear you like all things creepy we do too. In the futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born in Riverside, Iowa in 2223. Youre about to find out with these fascinating and fun facts about Iowa state, USA! Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions 1. Iowa is home to the first gas-powered tracker, which was invented by John Froelich. 42. Based on real events, this 1912 cold case features a whole family (two parents, four children, and two house guests) being bludgeoned to death in their sleep. Her daughters commissioned the statue to honor their mother's vision. These are just some of the interesting Iowa facts to know about. In Iowa City, Iowa the Oakland Cemetery was established back in 1843. Lights turn on by Legend has it that Rodriguez, an electrician who was electrocuted in the 1940s during the building of the auditorium, haunts the area by flickering the lights and turning them off and on. There are no national parks or UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iowa. Weird Iowa Facts. Once completed, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, known as ABC, was a far cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds. Many overnight guests have recently interacted with ghosts of former residents. 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. It is considered to be among the largest trail bridges in the world. Published June 30, 2021. I do my best to verify the accuracy of all content published here. Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, became the nation's 29th state in 1846. It wasnt actually an island until 1939, when the construction of a lock and dam system flooded the lowlands west of the town. Drivers along the road have reported sightings of Lucinda over the years. The Black Angel Monument in Iowa is believed to be haunted. [8], 25. Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States. [9] The world's largest grotto, or man-made cave, is located in West Bend, Iowa. There are also cold drafts and shadows appearing in empty hallways. Its gently rolling landscape rises slowly as it extends westward from the Mississippi River, which forms its entire eastern border. Despite 92% of the state being farmland, most of the residents live in urban areas rather than in rural ones. Coach Dave Armbruster invented the dolphin kick and used to refine the butterfly stroke. 1. They frequently hold clinical trials and have been credited with saving many lives. Iowa averages 50 tornados a year, mostly in the spring. But in outer space, there is no air for sound to travel. Iowa also consistently ranks top in the nation for SAT and ACT test scores. There is only one town island in Iowa, Sabula town in Jackson County, Iowa, is located on an island in Mississippi river. It Inspired the Americans Gothic Drawing. From literary achievements to cutting-edge cancer research and bike races to wine tastings, there are many interesting and fun facts about Iowa State to discover. Wittern is the reason we have vending machines today. Corn, and in fact, several agricultural productions are some of the many things Iowa is known for. Hogs Out-number the Human Population in Iowa! The study involves flying drones over fields after harvest to ensure no crop is left behind. amethyst, and Bethlehem Cave contains 65 tons of petrified wood. In Ottumwa, its technically illegal for men to wink at women they dont know. Ninety-two percent of Iowas land is covered with farms. Within the cemetery stands a bronze statue of an angel. There are more hogs than people in Iowa, actually. The angel is often called the Black Angel because it has turned black over the years. Southeast Iowa is a hub for transcendental meditation, One of Iowas golden domes is used for meditation and masse. The Nobel Peace Prize was won by John Mott of Iowa in 1946 for his work with the international YMCA. One of the most interesting facts of Iowa is there are hundreds of caves throughout the state. The governors of each state threatened each other with combat, with militias and volunteers called to gather at the border. Upon closer inspection, it wasnt a ball at allit was actually a 12,000-year-old woolly mammoth femur. Its the largest cave in Iowa. There was a trial for George Kelly, a traveling preacher, but he was found innocent of committing the crime. 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. She later attended the University of Iowa and became the first student there to earn a master's in journalism. Lights are seen in the building at night and some people claim the ghost of a man who drowned in the nearby river has also been spotted roaming the grounds. It faced to the west toward the bustling Milwaukee tracks and depot. This site is said to be very active with spirits, in part because the old bridge was the site of two hangings. They were the predecessors of the current Indycar. Legend has it that Rodriguez, an electrician who was electrocuted in the 1940s during the building of the auditorium, haunts the area by flickering the lights and turning them off and on. When the Civil War broke out, Iowa had only been a state for 15 years and had a population of just 600,000. It is really a fun Facts about Iowa. Five towns in Iowa are connected by a bridge that spans 25 miles. Grant wood most well-known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story house. These houses are all now historical sites, museums, and educational centers. Every year, only 69% of American high school seniors earn their diploma. [5], 30. The Iowa City Public Library alone boasts a collection of over 250,000 books. It is one of 27 US states that are landlocked. In 1991, Halloween was no treat for many residents in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. They are recreational centers since they are ice skating spots in winter and fishing and boat-riding venues in summer. [14], 11. If you want to have mindless healing, consider Iowa for a quality mind relaxation. 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. According to the writings of an early pioneer, the name comes from an incident where a tribe of Native Americans spied the land for the first time and proclaimed it Iowa, Iowa, Iowa, which meant beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. However, another story says that its just a variation on the French word Ayuhwa, which means sleepy onessomething the Dakota Sioux tribe called the Ioway Nation. Terms of Service apply. These matchsticks have been glued, warped, and shaped together. Unfortunately, the man never showed up. [20], 21. One of the highest concentrations of caves in an area of Iowa is within Maquoketa Caves State Park. 31st president of USA was born and brought up in Iowa, Herbert Clark Hoover was president of the united states from 1929 to 1933 and was born in Iowa. Learn more about this fascinating place, With six terrifying ghost stories to its name, Council Bluffs wins the title. 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. Iowa, constituent state of the United States of America. Some say Lottie haunts the cemetery and that a curse will befall those who visit her gravesite. Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois, were joined for the first time in 1939 thanks to the construction of Lock and Dam. No matter where you live in Iowa, you're guaranteed to have the best neighbors! This gift store is housed in a historic building, which has a darker history in relation to the murder of a woman that occurred in the building many years before. In 2001, an Amtrak train derailment in Iowa resulted in 90 injured and one killed. Her ghost is said to remain here playing the pipe organ, even though it no longer works. The lowlands on the west side of town were isolated from the rest of Sabula when a dam was built to flood them. It is supposed that the woman is buried somewhere in the gorge below the bridge and that she occasionally appears there to scare travelers. Scotcheroos have been voted as Iowa's top treat. The first automatically sliced loaves were produced on July 6, 1928.[15]. Founded in 1879, The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine was the very first public veterinary school in America. According to the statistics, they say the state produces even more corn than some countries, like Mexico. Though the 76,534 Iowan men who served in the Union may seem like small potatoes compared to contributions from other states, no other state had a higher percentage of its male population serve. 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. One of the most well-known facts about the state of Iowa is that they are the top corn producer in the United States. These non-winged sprint cars were used in the 30s and 40s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome To NomadsUnveiledThis is Rax. Now a US staple, Red Delicious apples are one of the most cultivated apples in the US. Check out these 10 Little Known Haunted Places. According to local legends, a small country road in Burlington, Iowa is haunted by the ghost of Lucinda. With so much farmland covering the state, driving through Iowa showcases miles upon miles of rolling grass hills and tall cornfields. You can travel across three states without actually leaving the city. Early on in the mental hospitals history patients were subjected to some rather unpleasant treatments. It was a long time ago, but this bone-chilling story of multiple murders remains alive. Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa in 1925. Its the Home of the Worlds Largest Bullhead Fish Statue, The statue is 12 feet long. Due to its fascinating topography, Iowa is the land of rolling hills. Effigy Mounds, large scale Native American sculptures of animals, humans, and religious figures made out of piles of earth, date as far back as 350 CE. The Akron Area Museum, formerly the home of the Ross Family is haunted some say by the Materiach, Mrs. Lucille Ross. But the ghost here is Earling is famous for a 1928 exorcism that lasted more than 3 weeks. However, sliced bread has been around for less than a century. So distraught over him not showing, some say because he ran off with another woman while others say his horse buggy got stuck in the mud, Lucinda killed herself. RAGBRAI covers over 460 miles across Iowa, with several towns hosting participants along the way. They are the worlds first set of surviving septuplets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Iowa also leads the US in ethanol production. It later became Iowa State University or ISU. kodathedreamer. The first Iowan to be elected to the office of the Vice President of the US was Henry Agard Wallace in 1940. If you visit the iced-over pond on that night, you can hear pounding on the ice and hear the screams of a young boy trapped beneath the ice. Iowa was home to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes before the arrival of the first European settlers. Legend claims that if you go to where Lucinda jumped to her death at the bluffs at night and utter her name three times, she may appear. Here are two scary facts about Iowa if you are into horror stories and legends. In the 1970s, Iowa accepted thousands of Southeast Asian refugees during the Indochina/. In some stories, Lottie was murdered, was a witch, or was run over by a car. The new drone technology being developed hopes to reduce that. Its spooky, creepy, and terrifying. Tara, or Terror, Bridge has a history that dates back to the 1800s. Only 9% of Iowa's 1,648 concentrated animal feeding operations have the necessary permits to protect our waterways from the excess nutrients, pathogens . [2], 19. 12. The Cowboy Breakfast Festival occurs on the 3rd Sunday of every September. For the next hundred years, the land was fought over by the French and the Spanish, with the region being called French Louisiana or Spanish Louisiana. 6. Copyright 2022 NomadsUnveiled. She died of lead poisoning, which caused her to become mentally unstable and leap from a 3rd-story window. In 1856, the bridge between Davenport and Rock Island was the first to span the mighty Mississippi River.[26]. With all these interesting facts about Iowa, it's hard not to develop a newfound appreciation for the state. Pinterest was co-founded by a resident of Des Moines, Ben Silbermann. The contents of the candy bar will be gone, but the wrapper will still be completely intact and unopened. Sara is said to follow around visitors and ask for someone named Ree. With an inclination of 296 feet up, it takes passengers to Fenelon Place from Fourth Street through 189 feet. [6], 28. The Pearson House, Lewelling House, Jordan House, Hitchcock House, and John Todd House all served as safe houses for the Underground Railroad. Iowa is a place of museums and aquariums. FACT 2 Thank you! The bridge was built to allow traffic of all varieties to cross over railroad tracks. 4. This hike through Gitchie Manitou State Preserve will have you running down the trail. Other people have reported hearing screaming voices and whispering. The state is named after the Ioway people, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. About 33.2 million pig babies were born between March and May 2018. Another official was sent to resurvey, but his line was a bit north of the original line, to the tune of 2,600 acres. Iowa is known as the Corn State, the Tall Corn State, and the Land Where the Tall Corn Grows. Check out some of these interesting Iowa facts. [16], 8. In MidAmerican Energy's fleet alone, there are over 3,400 wind turbines. Some people have claimed to have been pulled or pushed by hands that are not there. Sac City, Iowa, is home to the worlds largest popcorn ball. We could solve American homelessness easier than you think. Riders ride across Iowa or RAGBRAI hence the name RAGBRAI. General Iowa Facts Iowa state is located in the Midwestern United States, roughly at the center of the region. Iowa has more golf courses per capita than any other state. He rebuilt the machine, and it was first used commercially in 1928. The horror film that follows the story of murderous cornfield children was filmed in several locations around Iowa. 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. Iowa has a 99% literacy rate, making it the best in the country. Speaking of which, theres a Pikes Peak in Iowa, too. Its only 12,980 feet shorter than the one in Colorado. Iowa is no stranger to weird laws. People claim this bridge is haunted by a ghost. Also, in 2010, Forbes named Davenport/Bettendorf the most affordable metropolitan area in the nation. The theatres original name was the Cresco Opera House. The best crop is grown to be corn. Google Maps This former school is currently considered by paranormal investigators to be one of the most actively haunted locations in the state. Legend has Staff at the theatre maintain that it is haunted by previous owner Mr. Goldie. In 1933, the American Goldfinch was declared the state bird of Iowa. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The building has served as a location for live performances as well as modern motion pictures. Over 30 million acres of farmland can be found throughout the state. Iowa is home to the world's largest truck stop, the Iowa 80 Truckstop. If Iowa were a country, its territory would be about the same size as that of Tajikistan or Nepal. Iowa is considered the most Midwestern state in the U.S. and offers plenty of historical and cultural experiences. Mary Jane, beheaded in 1881, was said to be the most powerful of the witches. of the historical and fun Iowa facts you may not know before. It was constructed in 1897, and its still functional to date! These lands make up the vast majority of the farmlands that currently support the local economy with agricultural products. Iowa is bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. The facility took 10 years to build. By James Israelsen, Associate Writer. Rachel lives in eastern Iowa. Here are 60 interesting things about Iowa! People have reported apparitions, photo anomalies and other strange phenomena here. As of 2013, the states hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas the human population was just north of three million. Eighty-three percent of the citizens is either protestants or Catholics. trip to this haunted restaurant in Cascade. The fair is held over 11 days every year in August and it attracts more than a million visitors. The Unites States first transcontinental airmail route landed in Iowa City in 1920. People claim this bridge is haunted by a ghost. Known as 'Frank', the poltergeist frequently slams doors and turns on lights after the place has been closed up for the night. Residents were forced to flee their homes in Delhi, Iowa in 2010 when massive rainfall caused the Lake Delhi Dam to fail. The abbreviation for Iowa is IA. The Red Delicious apple originated at an orchard in Peru, Iowa. In certain areas patients underwent electric shock therapy while others underwent lobotomies. Black Hawk County in Iowa is also named for the famed warrior. But if you, like most people, find that Red Delicious apples are perhaps not as tasty as the name might imply, dont blame Iowa. Iowa is one of the windiest states. If you own a horse and live in Marshalltown, dont let your horse eat fire hydrants; its also forbidden. Spirit Lake, the largest glacier lake in Iowa, can trace its origins back to Hawkeye State. In 1932, she went on to be elected to the Senate. 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. High school dropouts are 8 times more . 3. The town now has a small plaque dedicated to the fictional character that fans are known to visit. As far as trail bridges go, this one is up there among the biggest ones in the world. You have entered an incorrect email address! Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff. It was established in 1964, and has been dubbed A Small City and A Truckers Disneyland. In short, its a truckers paradise. 4 (YT/IG: KodaTheDreamer) #fyp #scary #scaryfacts #facts #funfacts #foryouoage #foryou. Many versions of the popular dessert bar exist, and they are a staple at potlucks and gatherings in Iowa. What are some of your favorite things about our state? He hosted one of the longest-running television shows, The Tonight Show. The chandelier at the entrance also moves of Reports say visitors to the theater get the feeling of being watched, and have seen a ghostly little girl. Thank you! Registered as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008, the University of Iowa is known for several literary advancements. Iowas population is actually more urban than rural61.1 percent vs. 38.9 percent. The longest, largest and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world is held here annually since 1973. It is known as a research university and home to the famed Hawkeyes football team. When a Missouri official tried to collect taxes from the settlers who lived in the disputed acres, an Iowan sheriff arrested him. Although Independence State Mental Hospital remains a fully operational institution it is quite apparent some of the former patients have never left. While on the run from the police, Bonnie and Clyde hid in an abandoned amusement park in Dexter, Iowa for several days. It can often be seen in Iowa's many meadows in the winter and spring. According to one story, a car full of football players was in an accident here when the car stalled. Kansas: The Gateway to . It measures approximately sixteen miles and has only one underwater entrance at the base of its 100-foot cliff. The first woman elected to the House of Iowa legislature was Carolyn Pendray in 1928. The Iowa Organic Association is leading the way to help farmers that want to convert to organic farming. According to reports, a strange low moan can be heard constantly here. Worlds first electronic digital computer, Professor John Atanasoff and student Clifford Berry (both USA) created theworlds first electronic digital computer the AtanasoffBerryComputer(ABC) at Iowa State University, USA, between 1937 and 1942. This is the place to go if youre a serious athlete needing state-of-the-art facilities and instruction. Thats where youll find the famous Loess Hills, dunes created by windblown soil during the Ice Age. Sabula, Iowa, is an island community in Jackson County, Iowa. A group of young Dakota men, half-starved to death, killed a family of white settlers while out on a hunting trip. It has a population of 6,732,219 people, making it the 17 th most populous state. Be the first to know when we release new events, special offers, and discounts! Festivals, food, entertainment, and lodging are all set up in towns along the route. In 2001, they titled one of their studio albums "Iowa" and promoted their "Iowa World Tour". Iowa's corn is not only for eating but also used to produce ethanol, a renewable fuel source. 5. He stands in a garden 15 feet tall from his boots to his telltales pointy hat and weighs at least 3500 pounds. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix. This small gypsy cemetery is said to be haunted by a gypsy queen, who is guarded by a murder of crows. Sabula is just one mile long and a quarter of a mile wide, with a mere 576 residents. One of the authors of the Nancy Drew series was born in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson. Giant sloth bones and exhibits can be found at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. There have even been recordings of these voices on multiple occasions. John Wayne, the son of a pharmacist, became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Iowa beats all the United States in corn production. Scary Facts About Our World That You Probably Didn't Want To Know pt.10 #scary #creepy #scaryfacts #real #sincerelywill ig:@sincerelywill_ ebrahim_ka. But sliced bread has only been around for perhaps a hundred years. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The states highest point is 1670 ft (509 m) at Hawkeye Point, while the states lowest point is at 480 ft (146 m) at the Mississippi River. Iowa has a rich history of influential people and was home to artists, inventors, movie stars, and presidents. 1 - Independence State Mental Hospital, Independence. The Devil's Chair has no markings, and sits between the Peterson and Miller graves. Tell us about it in the comments. Other legends state that anyone who kisses or touches the angel will die immediately. It may be widely thought of as a fly-over state, but theres a lot more to Iowa than hogs and farmland (though there are plenty of those, too). Iowa is also home to a number of historical locations known to be haunted. That facility was meant to house drug addicts, alcoholics, the mentally ill, the elderly, and the criminally insane. Someone came in and killed them with an ax. Only 0.21% of Iowa states land is protected, one of the 10 lowest percentages of any state. Below are some. Iowa teaches tornado safety and has tornado warning systems in most public areas. Designated a Ripley's Believe it or Not Odd Spot, Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa is one of the most crooked streets in the world. Officially nicknamed "The Hawkeye State," Iowa was the 29 th state to join the United States of America on December 28, 1846. The ghost of a 12-year-old boy . Completed in 1886, the Iowa State Capitol was an architectural wonder of its time. However,Iowaleads the nation in per-capitawind powercapacitywith2,324 MW/million people. It is said that if you A ghost named Mary is said to haunt this hall. She was a former Red Cross nurse during World War I who haunts Gold Star Hall. He later moved to Los Angeles and won his title role as Frodo Baggins in "Lord of the Rings," launching his now-famous career. Edinburgh Manor is known for being "one of the most haunted places" and one of the scary state of Iowa facts. They are open for public viewing- about 20 large-scale models.