Iowa
The Hawkeye State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain"
Adopted in 1847 when Iowa's first General Assembly codified the state's founding principles, this motto reflects the fierce determination of frontier settlers who demanded their rights as they built new lives on the tallgrass prairie. One of the longest state mottoes in the nation, it is an uncompromising declaration of personal liberty — the very spirit that drove thousands of pioneers west into Iowa's rolling plains.
Flag Meaning
Iowa's flag consists of vertical stripes inspired by the French tricolor, reflecting its history as part of the French Louisiana Territory. The word 'IOWA' is displayed boldly below.
- Blue Stripe — symbolizes loyalty, justice, and truth.
- White Stripe — represents purity and the unwritten pages of history.
- Red Stripe — stands for courage and the blood shed by veterans.
- Bald Eagle — clutches a banner with the state motto, showing national unity.
State Symbols
Overview
Iowa, the 'Hawkeye State,' is a legendary food capital of the world and a quintessential American heartland. Nestled between two of the nation's greatest rivers, it is an agricultural titan and a leading center for insurance, renewable energy, and world-class higher education today.
Geographically, it shares borders with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, forming a closely connected regional network.
Historical Significance
Iowa officially joined the Union on December 28, 1846, as the 29th state. Its history is a narrative of rapid agricultural expansion from Native American homelands to becoming the cornerstone of the nation's food supply and a pivotal state in the American political landscape through its first-in-the-nation caucuses.
Famous Natives
Top Cities & Hubs
Des Moines
Population: ~215,000The state capital and a global insurance capital, featuring a vibrant and rapidly growing downtown, a celebrated arts scene, and one of the most livable metro areas in the Midwest.
Cedar Rapids
Population: ~135,000Known as the "City of Five Seasons," it is a leading center for grain processing and aerospace electronics and celebrates a rich Czech and Slovak cultural heritage.
Davenport
Population: ~102,000The largest of the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River, a significant hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation connecting Iowa and Illinois.
Sioux City
Population: ~86,000A major agribusiness and food processing center at the head of navigation on the Missouri River, serving as a regional gateway for the tri-state area.
Iowa City
Population: ~75,000Home to the University of Iowa and a UNESCO City of Literature, this vibrant college town is famous for its celebrated Writers Workshop and cutting-edge medical research.
How Iowa Ranks
Compared to all 50 states — bar shows relative standing
Additional Information
50001 (Ackworth) → 52809 (Davenport)
~935 ZIP codes statewide
Key Landmarks & Economy
Did You Know?
- Iowa is the only state in the nation whose entire eastern border and entire western border are formed completely by rivers — the Mississippi and Missouri.
- The first computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), was invented at Iowa State University between 1937 and 1942 by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry.
- Iowa consistently generates over 60% of its electricity from wind power, making it one of the global leaders in renewable wind energy production.
Demographics
Population Growth
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🧠 Iowa Trivia
5 questions — how well do you know the Prairie State?
Iowa is the only state bordered completely on the east and west by what?
What famous musical by Meredith Willson is set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa?
What is the official state rock of Iowa?
In politics, Iowa is famous for holding the first-in-the-nation what?
What is the capital of Iowa?