Summer Series: 50 States - Iowa

IOWA

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The 29th state is located in the Great Plains region of the nation.  It entered the Union on December 28, 1846.  The abbreviation for Iowa is IA, and the capital city is Des Moines (the "s" is silent in each word).  This site was chosen (in 1855) from a number of other choices as the capital for its relatively central location and the fact that it is situated on a river.

Iowa is the 26th largest state by area and the 30th most populated (as of 2000).  Folks who live in Iowa are known as Iowans.  Native Iowans included the Dakota Sioux tribe, the Ioway (Iowa is named for this tribe), Illini, Missouria, and the Otoe.  Go here to learn more about these Indian tribes and to see a map of where each one was located in the region.  Some famous people born in Iowa are Norman Borlaug, W. H. Carothers, Buffalo Bill Cody, Lee De Forest, W. Edwards Deming, Mamie Eisenhower, Janet Guthrie, Herbert Hoover, Lou Hoover, Ann Landers, Glenn Miller, Harriet Nelson, George Reeves, Charles Ringling, John Ringling, Abigail Van Buren, John Wayne, Fred Whipple, Elijah Wood, and Grant Wood.  Most likely young people won't recognize the names of most of these people.  Encourage them to do a little bit of research.  They might find it interesting to discover why these people are famous.

The major industries in Iowa are a lot like other Great Plains states.  They are involved in agriculture with the farming of corn and soybeans and the raising of hogs.  Food manufacturing is also performed here and is a vital industry.  Quaker Oats is located in Cedar Rapids and is the largest cereal company in the world. Iowa's nickname is the Hawkeye State, in honor of Chief Black Hawk.  He was a Sauk Indian who moved to Iowa after trying unsuccessfully to fight white settlers.  The nickname is also said to be in reference to a character in The Last of the Mohicans.  The state motto is "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" and is said to have been created in response, in part, to Iowa's difficulties during their journey to statehood.

Iowa's flag was adopted in 1921.  It has red, white, and blue like the flag of France and signifies that this region region once belonged to France and was part of the Louisiana Purchase.  The eagle on the white section is holding a banner with the state motto written on it.

Some other symbols of Iowa include the state bird which is the Eastern goldfinch or the Wild Canary, the state flower which is the wild rose, and the state tree which is the Oak.  

Some of the attractions to be seen in Iowa are the Iowa State Fair, Adventureland, the Blank Park Zoo, and the Amana Colonies.  The Imaginarium and Lost Island Water Park are great places for the kids.  The home and field featured in the movie, Field of Dreams, is located in Dubuque County.  Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is West Branch and details the life of our 31st President.  There are many theaters, gardens, parks, and trails to visit.  The house used in Grant Wood's famous painting, American Gothic, is located in Eldon.  Snake Alley in Burlington has been designated by Ripley's Believe It or Not! as the "crookedest street in the world."

Click here to play games to learn more about Iowa and then test your knowledge.

The following books are available through Christianbook.com.  I am affiliate.  If you purchase books through my blog, I will receive a small commission.

Iowa By Jonathan Brown & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous people" and "In history" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, time line, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

Iowa By Dennis Fradin / Grolier Publishing Company This book is an introduction to the Hawkeye State. It is full of facts about the rich history and current events of the state of Iowa. Its pages are packed with facts,full-color photos, and maps. Table of Contents: Introducing the Hawkeye State "The Land Where the Tall Corn Grows From Ancient Times Until Today Hawkeyes and Their Work A Trip Through The Hawkeye State A Gallery of Famous Hawkeyes Did You Know? Iowa Information Iowa History Map of Iowa Glossary Index

Immigrant Letters from Iowa: Dutch Reformed Life on the American Frontier By Johan Stillingwerf / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Iowa Letters is one of the most important collections of immigrant letters relating to the midwestern frontier known to be extant. The originals, some 215 in number and representing three distinct letter series, have been gathered from archives and private holdings on both sides of the Atlantic. More than 100 are published here for the first time. The others were first published in the Dutch language in Amsterdamse Emigranten (1976), edited by Johan Stellingwerff. All are now translated into English by Walter Lagerway, the nestor of Dutch American language, literature, and culture in the United States.

Iowa Big Activity Book, Grades K-5 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International For when you're embarking on a visit or upon your state studies, The Big Iowa Reproducible Activity Book will fulfill your wishes for a fun and educational way to learn state facts! With worksheets on Iowa history, geography, people, places, legends, and much more, you'll get a thorough introduction to what makes this state unique. Crosswords, dot-to-dots, mazes, coloring, word jumbles, writing, hidden pictures and other fun activities will make your students want to learn! Great for review and research. 96 reproducible pages, softcover. Answers are printed upside down at the bottom of the page. Ages 7-11.

The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore Cooper / Dover Publications Testimony to the American frontier mythos, the fast-disappearance of Native nations on the east coast and the French and Indian War, this classic has long been viewed as a defining American work of literature. Attempting to bring the Munroe sisters to freedom, Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas have woven themselves into the fabric of American Literature, presenting a timeless trio of friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of frontier warfare and strife. 288 pages, softcover.

The Last of the Mohicans Study Guide By Lisa Tiffin / Progeny Press James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans was a defining contribution to the American frontier mythos, perpetuating the idea that Native nations on the east coast had disappeared. In their quest to bring the Munroe sisters to freedom, Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas have woven themselves into the fabric of American Literature. Progeny Press Study Guides provide teachers, parents, and students with literary analysis based upon the foundation of the Bible. Examining well-written literature in relation to biblical standards, students will develop and refine how they deal with man's philosophies while learning about the craft of writing. Progeny Press Study Guides deal with literature as works of art and philosophy as they explain and use literary terms; deal with plot construction; dig into character studies; and bring attention to themes and ideas the author has crafted.Easy-to-use lessons include vocabulary, comprehension, analysis and critical thinking exercises, questions on related Biblical principles, activities, and a complete answer key. Middle & High School guides take approximately from 8 to 10 weeks to complete. 78 reproducible pages, paperback. Grades 9-12.