Population: 3,062.309 thousand people (2011)
Area: 145743.0 sq. km
Iowa, Hawkeye State, lies between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. This is part of the Great Prairies of North America, so the terrain here is rather monotonous – endless steppes, only in the north of the state turning into hilly hills, where the highest point is Mount Hawkeye (509 meters). The state is named after the Iowa tribe, who lived mainly in Nebraska.
Fertile soils, a temperate continental climate, and a high amount of rainfall contribute to the development of agriculture, the main activity of the people of Iowa. Especially a lot of land corn, which is why Iowa was also nicknamed the Corn State. Coal is also mined here. Natural disasters periodically occur here: tornadoes, floods, hurricanes.
The territory of Iowa was inhabited by several ethnic groups of Indians: Meskwok, Sok, Iowa, Potawatomi, Sioux and others. By the middle of the 17th century, when the first Europeans appeared here, the Indians were engaged in settled agriculture. In 1673, the French J. Marquette and L. Jolie described these lands and local tribes, declaring them the property of France. In 1763 Iowa was ceded to Spain, in 1800 to France .. In 1803, the United States bought Iowa. Fort Madison was the first permanent European settlement to survive to this day. During the Anglo-American War (1812-15), the Iowa Indians supported the British, as the American authorities implemented a policy of ousting the Indians. In 1846, the Iowa Territory, founded eight years earlier, became a state. During the Civil War, Iowa supported the North.
Iowa is classic “one-story” America. There are no megacities in the state, the cities are small, quiet, with measured provincial life. Tourists can visit several museums (science, arts, history) and exhibitions here, Fort Madison, the Botanical Center in Des Moines. Ethnic excursions to German (Aman), Dutch (Amish) villages are also popular, where the traditions of the first settlers have been preserved. In Iowa, outdoor recreation and fishing are popular. Ballooning competitions are also held here.
DES MOINES
Population: 203.433 thousand people (2010)
Area: 213.9 sq. km
Founded: 1843
City status since: 1851
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 291 m
Iowa ‘s capital, Des Moines, is located right in the middle of it. The city is located on a flat area near the place where the Enotovaya River falls into the Des Moines River. The name is of French origin and means “city of monks”.
The Meskwok and Sauk tribes inhabited these lands before the arrival of Europeans. In 1843, the military built Fort Des Moines in these places to control the Indians and prevent them from alcohol dealers. A few years later, the natives were forced out to the west, and the fort fell into disrepair. In 1846, Des Moines is repopulated, and already in 1866 it becomes the capital of Iowa. From the mid-1860s, the rapid development of Des Moines began, associated with the construction of a railway here, the development of agriculture and the development of coal mines (worked out by 1908).
After the economic decline of the second half of the 20th century, the city is now a major center of the so-called “Fodder and Livestock Belt”, as well as the insurance business.
The sights of Des Moines include the Capitol building (1884), a system of elevated sidewalks with a total length of 6 kilometers, several museums, including the Historic Farm open-air museum of agriculture.
CEDAR RAPIDS
Population: 126.396 thousand people (2006)
Founded: 1849
City status since: 1879
Time zone: UTC-6
In Lynn County, on the banks of the Cedar River, lies the city of Cedar Rapids. It is famous for museums, theaters and celebrities. Famous artists, writers, photographers, journalists live here. Cedar Rapids, named after the river, is colloquially referred to as the City of the Five Seasons. This is explained by the fact that in addition to the main seasons, there is another one that combines the signs of traditional ones in stages. In his honor, a sculpture was erected in the city – a symbol of the five seasons.
Before the advent of the first Europeans, the area occupied by the modern city belonged to the Sack and Fox Indian tribes. The settlement was originally named Columbus, later renamed to its modern name. Its economic growth in 1871 was due to the development of a meat-packing company. Modern Cedar Rapids combines 4 districts. Among its attractions are the Paramount Theatre, the City Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Wood Studio, the Museum of Art, the African American Museum, a large newspaper archive, which stores printed publications produced in the country over the past 230 years.
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City, situated in the eastern part of the state, is a city with a rich history and cultural significance, largely influenced by its role as a center for education and literature. The city’s history encompasses the expansion of the United States westward, the establishment of educational institutions, and a vibrant cultural scene. Iowa City’s climate, characterized by distinct seasons, also plays a role in shaping the experiences of its residents.
The history of Iowa City can be traced back to the early 19th century when the area was inhabited by indigenous people, including the Iowa and Sauk tribes. The United States government acquired the land through treaties, and in 1839, Iowa City was chosen as the site for the capital of the newly formed Iowa Territory. The city’s central location within the territory contributed to its selection as the capital.
Iowa City’s early days were marked by rapid growth and development. In 1841, the Old Capitol Building was completed, serving as the territorial and later state capitol until 1857. The University of Iowa was established in 1847, further solidifying Iowa City’s role as a center for education and culture in the region. The university’s presence has been a driving force in the city’s development and has contributed to its reputation as a literary and academic hub.
The city played a key role in the westward expansion of the United States, as it served as a transportation hub with the construction of the first railroad west of the Mississippi River in the 1850s. Iowa City was a significant stop along the route, facilitating the movement of people and goods.
Iowa City’s history also reflects its commitment to social and political progress. It was an important center for the abolitionist movement, and the city was a stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. The Iowa Writers’ Workshop, established in 1936 at the University of Iowa, has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. It has produced numerous influential writers, earning Iowa City the designation of a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008.
According to Youremailverifier, the climate of Iowa City is characterized by four distinct seasons, influenced by its location in the American Midwest. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C). Winters are cold, with average highs in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit (-6 to 4°C). The city experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall in the winter months.
The changing seasons contribute to a variety of outdoor activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The city’s parks, such as City Park and Hickory Hill Park, offer green spaces for recreation, including hiking, picnicking, and sports. The Iowa River, which flows through the city, adds to the natural beauty and provides opportunities for boating and other water activities.
Iowa City’s commitment to education is evident in its educational institutions, including the University of Iowa and the Iowa City Community School District. The city’s emphasis on literacy and the arts is underscored by events like the Iowa City Book Festival, which celebrates literature and engages the community with authors, readings, and discussions.
In recent years, Iowa City has seen urban development and revitalization, with a focus on preserving historic architecture and creating vibrant public spaces. The pedestrian-friendly downtown area features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere.
Iowa City, Iowa, stands as a city with a deep cultural and educational heritage. From its early days as a territorial capital to its present status as a UNESCO City of Literature, Iowa City has embraced its role as a center for intellectual and artistic pursuits. The city’s climate, with its changing seasons, adds to the diverse array of experiences enjoyed by its residents and visitors. Today, Iowa City continues to thrive as a dynamic and progressive community that values education, culture, and a strong sense of community.
