Iowa is one of the most colorful US states. History and attractions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The name of this state is connected with its Indian origin. About 13,000 years ago, the area was inhabited by the Iowa, Missouri, and Santee tribes. In the XIII century, France and Spain fought for these fertile lands, and 100 years later, the US authorities bought out their future state, which later became one of the main objects of the struggle for the Wild West.

Indian Clashes

In the middle of the 19th century, the state of Iowa becomes fully American. But the policy of ousting the indigenous Indian population led to the outbreak of armed conflicts in different parts of the state, in which a large number of people died. Later, the authorities think about how to attract immigrants to the vacated territory, as a result of which the state is gradually settled by immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia, who later took an active part in the development of agriculture.

Food Capital

The state of Iowa, called "corn", was visited more than 50 years ago by N. S. Khrushchev. During the visit, he looked at the farms of local residents and wanted to grow"Queen of the Fields" in the USSR.

It is not for nothing that this American territory is considered the world food capital: every year they get a large harvest of oats and soybeans, and the state has long been recognized as a leader in the number of pigs and cattle.

However, economic crises have led to the fact that the agricultural region began to pay special attention to industry. There are several canning and processing plants throughout the state.

Multi-Million Staff

Famous for the expanse of plains and prairies that make up a large part of the natural landscape, Iowa has a large population. More than 3 million people live in it. The state capital is Fort Des Moines, built in 1843. Now it has turned into a big beautiful city with a developed infrastructure and a powerful insurance sector.

This is not to say that the territory of the state is extremely attractive for tourists, because there are very unstable weather conditions, which lead to storms, tornadoes and floods up to 37 times a year. However, despite this, the state has numerous museums that attract inquisitive travelers, and natural attractions are unusual in their special beauty untouched by civilization.

USA, Iowa: attractions. Law Library

The main attraction is an architectural monument, opened in 1886 in the state capital. Capitol with 5 domes - the only one in the country, it housesoffice of the governor of Iowa. Until the 30s of the XX century, this building, which is of great interest to tourists, was the tallest.

On the 2nd floor of the Capitol there is a law library, the doors of which are always open for those who are interested in issues of legislation, the history of jurisprudence and international legal issues. It is worth noting that among the visitors to this unusual library there are many ordinary people who have heard about the beauties of this magnificent room. It is this unique attraction that the state of Iowa is famous for, first of all (see photo below).

The library has over 200,000 items and is one of the most important collections of legal literature in the United States.

You can climb into the central hall, which accommodates 4 levels of galleries, by wrought-iron metal stairs equipped with railings. The ceiling and floor are lined with bright glass mosaics, while the high walls are decorated with marble panels. This ancient building is rightfully one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Religious shrine

Historical monument, considered an important religious shrine, located in the city of West Bend (Iowa). The sights, consisting of 9 grottoes, were created by human hands. Built by a cured priest who prays to the Virgin Mary, the Grotto of Atonement now looks like a small neighborhood.

For more than 40 years, hard work has been going on to build a shrine of precious stones and minerals. In an unusual museumthere is a bronze sculpture of a builder-priest, made by his followers.

Zoo for kids and adults

In the capital of the state there is a unique zoo that allows not only to view the animals, but also to feed them. On a small plot there is an aquarium with fish from all over the world, cages with formidable lions and tigers, funny monkeys, funny penguins. All inhabitants of wildlife are kept in conditions close to natural.

Playgrounds with various entertainments have been built for children: fascinating labyrinths, high slides, corners for archaeological excavations.

The state of Iowa allows you to feel American history and culture, visit the picturesque botanical gardens, go to Sioux City Fourth Street, famous for holding open-air jazz festivals. Tourists note the special benevolence of the local population, which cherishes the memory of their ancient roots.