History of Iowa in Timeline

Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state bordered by the Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers. It shares borders with Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Known for its agricultural prominence, particularly corn and soybean production, Iowa plays a crucial role in the nation's food supply. The state holds significant political importance, notably through the Iowa caucuses, the first major electoral event in the U.S. presidential election cycle. Its economy also encompasses manufacturing, finance, and renewable energy.

1900: Iowa Population Growth Compared to US

Since at least the 1900 census, the population of Iowa has increased at a slower rate than the U.S. as a whole.

January 12, 1912: All-Time Lowest Temperature Recorded

On January 12, 1912, the all-time lowest temperature of −47 °F (−44 °C) was recorded in Washta, Iowa.

1914: Economic Prosperity for Iowa Farmers

In 1914, with the beginning of the war, Iowa farmers began to experience a period of economic prosperity that would last until the end of the war.

1917: Colored Officers Training Camp Established

In 1917, the African-American population in Des Moines experienced a significant increase with the establishment of the Colored Officers Training Camp at Fort Des Moines.

1917: United States Enters World War I

In 1917, the United States entered World War I, leading to a wartime economy for farmers and all Iowans. This followed a period of economic prosperity for Iowa farmers that began in 1914.

1918: African-American Families Remain in Des Moines

Following the conclusion of World War I in 1918, numerous African-American families made the decision to remain in Des Moines.

1918: Babel Proclamation

The Babel Proclamation of 1918 banned the speaking of German in public in Iowa.

1919: Defeat of Voting Rights to Iowa Women

Between 1870 and 1919, several attempts to grant full voting rights to Iowa women were defeated.

1920: Nineteenth Amendment Ratified

In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote, with the Iowa legislature being one of the ratifying votes.

July 20, 1934: Hottest Temperature Recorded

On July 20, 1934, Iowa's all-time hottest temperature of 118 °F (48 °C) was recorded at Keokuk during a nationwide heat wave.

1942: Iowa State Fair Suspended

In 1942, the Iowa State Fair was suspended due to World War II, as the fairgrounds were used as an army supply depot. The fair remained suspended until after the war.

1945: Iowa State Fair still Suspended

In 1945, the Iowa State Fair remained suspended due to World War II, as the fairgrounds were still being used as an army supply depot. The fair would resume after the war ended.

1949: Court Rules Against Racial Discrimination

In 1949, the Iowa court ruled in State of Iowa v. Katz that businesses had to serve customers regardless of race. The case began when Edna Griffin was denied service at a Des Moines drugstore.

1961: Precipitation across Iowa

From 1961 to 1990, areas in the southeast of Iowa received an average of over 38 inches (97 cm) of rain annually.

1965: Full Racial Civil Rights Codified

In 1965, full racial civil rights were codified under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

1968: Deadliest Year for Tornadoes

1968 was the deadliest year for tornadoes in Iowa, until 2008 when tornadoes caused even more fatalities.

1971: John Deere Classic Inauguration

Since 1971, the John Deere Classic, a PGA Tour golf event, has been held in the Quad Cities.

1973: RAGBRAI Inauguration

In 1973, Iowa inaugurated RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This event is a bicycle ride across the state from river to river, attracting thousands of bicyclists and support personnel annually.

1975: Resettlement of Tai Dam Refugees in Iowa

In 1975, Governor Robert D. Ray petitioned President Ford to allow Iowa to resettle Tai Dam refugees fleeing the Indochina War. An exception to state policy was granted, and 1200 Tai Dam refugees were resettled in Iowa.

June 1976: Repeal of Law Criminalizing Same-Sex Sexual Activity

In June 1976, the state's law criminalizing same-sex sexual activity was repealed.

1980: Iowa voters rejected an Equal Rights Amendment

In 1980, Iowa voters rejected an Equal Rights Amendment to the state constitution.

1983: Terry Branstad Governor start year

In 1983, Terry Branstad began his term as Governor.

1990: Iowa Population Increase

Around 1990, the population of Iowa began to increase, although it felt the brunt of rural flight like other Midwestern states.

1990: Precipitation across Iowa

From 1961 to 1990, areas in the northwest of Iowa received less than 28 inches (71 cm) of rain annually.

1990: Growth of Wind Turbine Electrical Generation

Since 1990, Iowa has seen exponential growth in wind turbine electrical generation, becoming a major economic force, especially in northern and western Iowa.

1992: Iowa voters rejected an Equal Rights Amendment

In 1992, Iowa voters rejected an Equal Rights Amendment to the state constitution.

1998: Women Added to the Iowa Constitution

In 1998, Iowa added the word "women" to the Iowa Constitution, stating that all men and women are free and equal.

1999: Largest Ethnic Group in Iowa

According to a 1999 version of Encyclopædia Britannica, Germans are the largest ethnic group in Iowa.

1999: Terry Branstad Governor end year

In 1999, Terry Branstad's term as Governor ended.

1999: U.S. Senior Open Hosted

In 1999, the Des Moines Golf and Country Club hosted the U.S. Senior Open.

2000: Urban vs Rural Population

In 2000, 61 percent of Iowa's population lived in urban areas, marking the continuation of a trend that began in the early 20th century.

2000: Largest religious group

The study Religious Congregations & Membership: 2000 found that in the southernmost two tiers of Iowa counties and in other counties in the center of the state, the largest religious group was the United Methodist Church.

2001: Number of Tornadoes

In 2001, there were 105 tornadoes in Iowa, matching the total from 2008.

2001: Principal Charity Classic Inauguration

Since 2001, the Principal Charity Classic, a Champions Tour event, has been held.

2002: Indirect Role of Agriculture in Iowa's Economy

In 2002, the impact of the indirect role of agriculture in Iowa's economy, including agriculture-affiliated business, was calculated at 16.4% in terms of value added and 24.3% in terms of total output.

2003: Manufacturing Sector of Iowa's Economy

In 2003, manufacturing was the largest sector of Iowa's economy, contributing $20.8 billion, or 21%, to the state's Gross State Product.

2004: Third Parties on the Ballot

Since 2004, the Constitution Party, the Green Party, the Pirate Party, and the Socialist Workers Party have had candidates on the ballot in Iowa.

2005: Iowa's Public Land Holdings Ranking

As of 2005, Iowa ranked 49th among U.S. states in terms of public land holdings, reflecting a scarcity of natural areas in the state.

2005: Iowa's GDP

In 2005, Iowa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was approximately $124 billion, and its Gross State Product was $113.5 billion.

2006: Iowa's Per Capita Income

In 2006, Iowa's per capita income was $23,340.

2006: Iowa Speedway hosts auto racing championships

Since 2006, the Iowa Speedway oval track in Newton has hosted auto racing championships, including the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Truck Series.

2007: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's Health Insurance Market Share

According to a 2007 AMA annual report, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield provided 71% of the state's health insurance.

2007: Contribution of Agriculture to Iowa's GSP

As of 2007, the direct production and sale of conventional agricultural commodities contributed only about 3.5% of Iowa's gross state product.

2007: Presidential Campaign Spending in Iowa

In 2007, presidential campaign spending in Iowa was the seventh highest in the country.

2007: "Sexual orientation" and "gender identity" Added to Iowa Civil Rights Act

In 2007, the Iowa Legislature added "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the protected classes listed in the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

2008: Urban Population Growth

From 2000 to 2008, urban counties in Iowa grew by 8.5%, while rural counties declined by 4.2%, illustrating the shift from rural to urban areas.

2008: Iowa's Agricultural Production

In 2008, the 92,600 farms in Iowa produced 19% of the nation's corn, 17% of the soybeans, 30% of the hogs, and 14% of the eggs.

2008: Deadly Tornadoes in Iowa

In 2008, twelve people were killed by tornadoes in Iowa, making it the deadliest year since 1968, with 105 tornadoes, matching the total from 2001.

April 3, 2009: Iowa Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court decided Varnum v. Brien, holding in a unanimous decision, the state's law forbidding same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

July 2, 2009: Standard & Poor's rates Iowa's credit as AAA

On July 2, 2009, Standard & Poor's rated Iowa's credit as AAA, the highest credit rating, held by only 11 U.S. state governments.

2009: Iowa's Major Agricultural Product Processors

As of 2009, major Iowa agricultural product processors included Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Inc., Diamond V Mills, and Quaker Oats.

2009: Ethanol Production in Iowa

In 2009, approximately one third of Iowa's corn production was used for ethanol production, with renewable fuels accounting for eight percent of the state's gross domestic product. A total of 39 ethanol plants produced 3.1 billion US gallons of fuel.

2010: Largest Protestant Denominations

A survey from the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) in 2010 found that the largest Protestant denominations were the United Methodist Church with 235,190 adherents and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with 229,557.

2010: Iowa Lost a Seat in Congress

After the 2010 United States census and redistricting, Iowa lost one seat in Congress, falling to four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2010: Iowa General Assembly Control

As a result of the 2010 elections, each party controlled one house of the Iowa General Assembly.

2010: Population Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the center of population of Iowa is in Marshall County, near Melbourne.

2010: Census results

As of the 2010 census, the population of Iowa was 3,046,355.

2010: Drop in health insurance Competition levels

Between 2010 and 2011, Iowa was fourth out of ten states with the biggest drop in competition levels of health insurance.

2010: Iowa Ranked Sixth Best State for Business by CNBC

In 2010, CNBC ranked Iowa as the sixth best state for business, with the state ranking first in "Cost of Doing Business".

2011: Drop in health insurance Competition levels

Between 2010 and 2011, Iowa was fourth out of ten states with the biggest drop in competition levels of health insurance.

2011: Iowa Economic Development Authority Created

In 2011, the Iowa Economic Development Authority was created, replacing the Iowa Department of Economic Development as a source of economic information.

2012: Congressional District Election

In 2012, incumbent U.S. representatives Leonard Boswell (D) and Tom Latham (R) ran against each other in the third congressional district due to new boundaries; Latham won.

2013: Health Insurance Competition Report

According to the 2013 annual report on the level of competition in the health insurance industry by the American Medical Association, Iowa experienced a significant drop in health insurance competition.

November 2014: Health Insurers Market Dominance

In November 2014, the Iowa Insurance Division's annual report revealed Wellmark Inc.'s dominance in the health insurance markets, controlling 52-67% of the individual, small group, and large group markets.

2014: Religious Affiliations

A 2014 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of Iowans are Protestant, 18% are Catholic, and 1% are of non-Christian religions, while 21% are non-religious.

2014: Record Low Temperature

As of 2014, the all-time lowest temperature of −47 °F (−44 °C) remained in Washta on January 12, 1912.

2014: Health Insurance Organizations in Iowa

As of 2014, there were 16 organizations offering health insurance products in Iowa, according to the State of Iowa Insurance Division.

2014: Tom Latham retired

In 2014 Tom Latham retired after winning the 2012 election.

December 14, 2015: Branstad Becomes Longest Serving Governor in U.S. History

On December 14, 2015, Governor Terry Branstad became the longest serving governor in U.S. history.

2015: Average Number of Tornadoes in Iowa

As of 2015, the 30-year annual average of tornadoes in Iowa was 47, highlighting the state's frequent severe weather.

2015: Transportation Spending Impact on Rural School Districts

As of 2015, transportation spending is a significant part of the budgets of rural school districts in Iowa due to large geographical areas and vast distances students must be transported.

2016: Population of Hispanic or Latino Origin in Iowa

According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 5.6% of Iowa's population were of Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race): Mexican (4.3%), Puerto Rican (0.2%), Cuban (0.1%), and other Hispanic or Latino origin (1.0%).

2016: Republicans Gain Control of the Senate

As a result of the 2016 elections, Republicans gained control of the Senate.

2016: Jewish Population

As of 2016, about 6,000 Jews lived in Iowa, with about 3,000 in Des Moines alone.

2016: Top Companies Headquartered in Iowa

In 2016, Iowa was the headquarters for three of the top 2,000 companies for revenue, including Principal Financial, Rockwell Collins, and American Equity Investment.

2016: Iowa Employment Statistics

In 2016, Iowa's total employment reached 1,354,487, with 81,563 employer establishments across the state.

2016: Organic Farming Growth in Iowa

In 2016, there were approximately 732 organic farms in Iowa, an increase of about 5% from the previous year, with 103,136 organic acres.

2016: Gary Johnson's Vote Share in Iowa

Presidential candidate Gary Johnson received 3.8% of the Iowa vote in the 2016 general election.

May 24, 2017: Kim Reynolds Becomes Governor

On May 24, 2017, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds succeeded Terry Branstad as Governor of Iowa after Branstad's appointment as U.S. Ambassador to China.

2017: Sign Language

About 2.5% of the general population use sign language as of 2017, while indigenous languages are spoken by about 0.5% of the population.

2017: Solheim Cup Hosted

In 2017, the Des Moines Golf and Country Club hosted the Solheim Cup.

2017: Libertarian Party's Official Status

In 2017, the Libertarian Party obtained official political party status in Iowa.

2017: Iowa High School Graduation Rate

In 2017, the four-year graduation rate for high schoolers in Iowa was 91.3%.

March 2018: Hog Population in Iowa

As of March 2018, Iowa had approximately 22.6 million hogs in 8,000 facilities, outnumbering the human population by more than 7 to 1.

May 2018: Iowa abortion ban signed into law

In May 2018 Iowa signed into law one of the country's most restrictive abortion bans: the requirement that a doctor cannot perform an abortion if they can detect a fetal heartbeat, which in many cases would restrict abortions pregnancies less than six weeks old.

2018: Record High Temperature

As of 2018, Iowa's all-time hottest temperature remained at 118 °F (48 °C), recorded at Keokuk on July 20, 1934.

2018: Top Countries of Origin for Iowa's Immigrants

In 2018, the top countries of origin for Iowa's immigrants were Mexico, India, Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

January 2019: "Fetal Heartbeat" law was unconstitutional

In January 2019, an Iowa state judge ruled that the "fetal heartbeat" law was unconstitutional.

2019: Iowa School Graduation Rate

As of 2019, Iowa's schools were credited with the highest graduation rate in the nation.

2019: Wind Power in Iowa

In 2019, wind power in Iowa accounted for 42% of the state's electrical energy production, with 10,201 megawatts of generating capacity installed by the end of the year.

April 1, 2020: United States Census Bureau population of Iowa

On April 1, 2020, the United States Census Bureau determined the population of Iowa to be 3,190,369.

2020: Irreligious

According to the 2020 Public Religion Research Institute's study, 26% of the population were irreligious.

2020: Native American Population

In 2020, 14,486 people in Iowa identified as being Native American alone, and 41,472 did in combination with one or more other races.

2020: Iowa State Fair Suspended

In 2020, the Iowa State Fair was suspended due to the COVID pandemic, marking a rare exception in its annual occurrence.

2020: North American Drought Affects Iowa

In 2020, the ongoing North American drought began to significantly affect Iowa.

2020: Iowa Ranked as 24th Easiest State to Vote

In a 2020 study, Iowa was ranked as the 24th easiest state for citizens to vote in.

September 2021: Iowa Unemployment Rate

As of September 2021, the state's unemployment rate was reported to be 4.0%.

2021: Life Expectancy in Iowa

In 2021, the life expectancy in Iowa was 77.7 years. The state's rural population is more susceptible to diseases related to food insecurity.

2021: Iowa Heartlanders Inaugural Season

In the 2021-22 season, the Iowa Heartlanders, an ECHL team based in Coralville and affiliated with the Minnesota Wild, began playing.

2022: Homeless Population in Iowa

According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 2,419 homeless people in Iowa.

2022: Kim Reynolds (R) as Governor of Iowa

As of 2022, the 43rd and current governor of Iowa is Kim Reynolds (R).

2023: North American Drought Continues to Affect Iowa

In 2023, the ongoing North American drought continued to affect Iowa.

January 2024: Iowa Drought

As of January 2024, Iowa was in its 187th consecutive week of at least moderate drought, the longest stretch since the 1950s, with 96% of areas affected.

2024: Republican Party Dominance

By 2024, the Iowa Democratic and Republican parties became dominated by the Republican Party.

2025: Data Centers in Iowa

As of 2025, Iowa had 64 data centers, including Google in Council Bluffs and Cedar Rapids, Apple in Waukee, Meta in Altoona, and Microsoft with six data centers in West Des Moines.

2025: "Gender Identity" Removed from Iowa Civil Rights Act

In 2025, The Iowa Legislature later struck "gender identity" from these protections in 2025, making Iowa the first U.S. state to remove a protected group from a state anti-discrimination law.