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The “Hawkeye” State is the only state bordered as it is by two navigable rivers, the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The abundance of water enriches the land, making it rich and fertile so that Iowa farmers lead the nation in corn, soybean and pork production. In fact, Iowans are proud of their long agricultural history and world-famous status as an agriculture center.
The word “Iowa” comes from the American Indian tribe of the same name. Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase, a vast land deal arranged between President Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte of France. The Iowa Territory was carved out of a part of the Michigan Territory and an area of the Wisconsin Territory west of the Mississippi River. More land was added to the Iowa territory after the Black Hawk War, a conflict ending in 1832 near present-day New Albin, in which the Sauk and Fox Indians, in exchange for various sundries, were forced to vacate the fertile Mississippi Valley lands of modern-day eastern Iowa. Lewis and Clark traveled through Iowa on their historic journey, losing one of their members along the way. Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark expedition to perish, was buried in Sioux City and a monument was erected in his name. Other explorers and early entrepreneurial sorts traveling through Iowa used the steamboat paddle wheel as their favored mode of transportation. In fact, these “paddle wheelers” reigned supreme on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in the 19th century. The steamboat Bertrand sank in the Missouri river near what is today the town of Missouri Valley. Excavated in 1969, the cargo is on display at the De Soto National Wildlife Preserve Visitors Center. When Iowa became the 29th state in 1846, the first capitol was established in Iowa City. In 1857, the seat of government was moved to Des Moines, a more central location. Today, Des Moines, the largest city in Iowa and home to more than 200,000 residents, is recognized as a center for government, education, business, culture and the arts. It also enjoys national recognition as a major insurance center, the third largest in the world after London, England, and Hartford, Connecticut, with nearly 60 life, health and casualty companies. The city’s three-mile climate-controlled skywalk is an important link to parking garages, hotels, restaurants, stores and businesses. The quality of Iowa’s cities, with their cordial atmosphere and outstanding quality of life has earned the state of Iowa the reputation of being one of the top three most livable states in the nation and one of the best places in the country to raise children. Leaving the major metropolitan areas of Iowa, sightseeing attractions range from historic frontier forts to authentic American farms, to Old World charm in places such as Pella and the Amana Colonies to world-famous movies sites, including Field of Dreams and The Bridges of Madison County. Whether planning to relocate or vacation in the land between the two mighty rivers, a visit to Iowa means a cordial welcome, great public services, safe communities, affordable housing, excellent educational systems and a rich family-friendly culture with abundant recreational opportunities. |
