Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, became America's 29th State in 1846. Here are some awesome facts you should know about Iowa.
1. Iowa Means "Beautiful"
The state of Iowa got its name from the Ioway people, one of the region's native tribe. The state got its name when the Native Americans saw the land and started saying: “Iowa, Iowa, Iowa,” which meant “beautiful, beautiful, and beautiful.”
2. A Lovely Place to Stay
Iowa is one of the prettiest views in the United States! Ames, Iowa (home of Iowa State University) was named as one of the top ten places to live in the United States by TIME magazine.
The city has a large number of parks and recreation facilities and varied employment opportunities.
3. More Hogs Than Humans
Hogs outnumber humans 4:1 in Iowa. Making it simple, with 3 million people in the state, Iowa is home to around 12 million hogs. Believe it or not, but it’s true.
4. Red Delicious Apple
The Red delicious apple originated in Peru, Iowa at an orchard in 1880 and was known as "a round, blushed yellow fruit of surpassing sweetness."
5. Highest Literacy Rate
At 99%, Iowa boasts the highest literacy rate in the United States. Students from Iowa also consistently score among the highest in ACT and SAT scores.
6. Disc Golf Course
Iowa has more disc golf courses per capita than any other state. It is the only state to have less than 10,000 people per course. It has more than 300 courses for a population of just over 3 million. Thus, disc golf is very easily available in the state.
7. World’s Largest Strawberry
‘Strawberry Point’, near Backbone State Park, holds a 15-foot fiberglass Strawberry statue, often considered as the World’s Largest Strawberry.
The Atanasoff-Berry computer, created at Iowa State University in 1937, was the first automatic electronic digital computer. So, from technology point of view as well, Iowa has marks its name in the history.
8. First Automatic Electronic Computer
9. Largest Productions
Iowa is the largest producer of food and edible items like pork, corn and eggs in the nation. Moreover, it is also the largest producer of ethanol and wind energy. And second in soybeans in the United States. It is stated that Iowa produces one-fourteenth of the nation's food supply.
10. First Female Lawyer
Arabella Mansfield of Burlington became the first female lawyer in the United States in 1869. She was from Iowa.
11. High Motorcycle Ownership Rate
Iowa ranks third in the nation for highest motorcycle ownership. There is one motorcycle for every 18 people in the state. If you are a motorcycle lover, it’s the perfect place to explore.
12. Iowa Has Its Own Island
Despite being landlocked, Iowa has its own island - Sabula, which is located on the Mississippi River. It is home to about 560 people. Because of its proximity to Chicago (three-hour drive), Sabula has become a very popular vacationing destination during the summer months.