"Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain". That appears to be the motto of 29th state to be admitted into the state union on Dec. 28, 1846. The name "Iowa" was derived from the Iowa River which was named after the Ioway Indian tribe. The French was the first European to stay in the land of Iowa and was then purchased and controlled by U.S, but the land was totally withdrawn from the Indians due to the heavy war between the Indians and the white settlers. When Iowa became a state in 1846, the capital was first Iowa city but in 1857 it was changed to Des Moines. Iowa is bordered by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska and South Dakota, to the north, east, south and west respectively. Iowa has two parallel rivers at its borders, making it the only state in USA to have such. Iowa is 56,273 square miles in land area and has 99 counties with over 3 million people in the population, according to the latest population count from 2024.
When you hear Iowa, you will recall the plane crash that killed the 1950s rock icons Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens in clear lake. Iowa is known for various things in the United States as the state is a major producer of food in the county's supply. The state also has major industries in, non-electrical machinery, printing and publishing, food and associated products, fabricated products, and electrical equipment. The state's forest is also what Iowa is known for producing walnuts, lumber and hardwood. Including production of cement, sand, limestone, which are mineral resources from the state.
Iowa landmarks includes; The Terrace Hill, which is the official Governor's house; Villisca Ax Murder House, different murder act was carried out inside this building in 1912, but the building still survives; Rails West Railroad Museum, created to educate people on Iowa railroads; National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium; Adventure land, an amusement park owned by a family with lots of attractions; Amana Colonies, which is a tourist attraction; Arnolds Park Amusement Park featuring lots of tourist attractions; The American Gothic House; A 25 acre Blank Park Zoo; Dubuque County Jail which is now a museum; Grenville M. Dodge House; Effigy Mounds National Monument; Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the body of the 31st president was laid in this museum; Iowa State Capitol, it is the only state capitol with 5- dome; National Farm Toy Museum.
Known as one of the underrated states, there are so much to enjoy in the state. In Iowa, the cost of living is low, there are cheap housing, having the second cheapest housing in country with Ohio as the first. Majority of people living in Iowa are literate and educated, the citizens of the state do get high scores in ACT and SAT test, you might want to consider that for your children. Living in Iowa guarantees safety as the state has low crime rate. Road traffic is never an issue in Iowa, and you can experience all weather seasons. If you considering a place to live after retiring, consider Iowa. Lastly, Des Moines is the wealthiest city in the country and its in Iowa.
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