Explore Iowa History

An 1880 view of the construction of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

Iowa's Path to Statehood

On December 28, 1846, President James K. Polk signed a law making Iowa the 29th state. Explore Iowa's path to statehood.

Iowa's Transportation History

From moving goods and people by foot—to steamboats, railroads, modern highways and air travel—discover how Iowa’s transportation systems have changed the way we move around.

Exterior of J.W. Witmer & Company Insurance with personnel posing in front. Insurance has been a major industry In Iowa since the early 1800s. Des Moines, Iowa. ca.1885.

Business and Industry in Iowa

People all over the world depend on Iowa business and industry — the buying, selling and producing of goods and services. From grist mills and button factories to Global Positioning Systems and insurance services, discover how Iowa workers have adapted to new ideas.

The Fight for Women's Suffrage

After a long and difficult struggle, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1920 granting women the right to vote.

Agriculture in Iowa

People all over the world depend on Iowa’s farm products and innovative ideas. Explore the rich story of agriculture in Iowa.

1850s Surveyor Kit | Time Travel Iowa

Surveyor tools were instrumental in the development of our state and the planning of our communities.

An Iowa soldier, part of the 34th Division, looking through binoculars in North Africa in 1943.

War and Conflict

Learn about the wars that Iowans have participated in. Explore how war has affected the lives of Iowans — both on the battlefield and at home.

Alexander Clark

Because of the actions of Alexander Clark, Iowa's schools were desegregated more than 85 years before the rest of the nation. Find out more about this Iowa civil rights pioneer.

Farm family picking tomatoes. Warren County, 1945.

The People of Iowa

About 12,000 years ago humans began to live in the land that became Iowa. Since this time, people have continued to bring unique cultures and traditions to share. The contributions of Iowans have shaped the state and the world. Discover how their experiences tell the story of who we are as Iowans.

Discover the people, places, events, and ideas of Iowa history. Explore hundreds of articles, images, videos and websites. Create your own story of Iowa as you go to unexpected places and search the past and present. Travel down side trails and uncover artifacts as you explore your Iowa pathway.

Iowa Pathways is an online learning environment that challenges students to create their own story of the state as they explore the people, places, events and ideas of Iowa. This award-winning Web site helps students choose topics that interest them, build research questions and examine relationships among Iowa concepts—past to present.

What is your Iowa story? Find your Iowa pathway

Iowa The story of Iowa started long before people ever lived on the land. Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and ice helped form the landscape of this area for over 1 billion years. Nomadic people roamed what...	Agriculture People all over the world depend on Iowa’s farm products and innovative ideas. Explore the rich story of agriculture in Iowa.
Business & Industry From grist mills and button factories to data centers and insurance services, discover how Iowa workers have adapted to new ideas.	Government Explore how the laws and government services we have today developed over time. In what ways does government in Iowa impact your life?
People For thousands of years, people have brought unique cultures and traditions to the area now known as Iowa. Discover how their experiences tell the story of who we are as Iowans.	War & Conflict Learn about the wars in which Iowans have participated. Explore how war has affected the lives of Iowans—both on the battlefield and at home.
Transportation From moving goods and people by foot—to steamboats, railroads, modern highways and air travel—discover how Iowa’s transportation systems have changed the way we move around.	Education Learning new ideas has always been important to Iowans. Explore how schools have changed over time.
Communities Discover how changes in communities tell the story of the people, ideas and industries of the state.	Environment Explore Iowa’s natural history and how the environment continues to be part of our Iowa story.
Arts & Culture Examine the cultural traditions and artifacts of Iowa that make us "Iowans."