Iowa: The Hawkeye State

Driving through the state at any time of year promises a sight to see. In the fall, rows upon rows and miles upon miles of corn, wheat and farmland grace the landscape. Iowa produces more corn than any other site in the country.

A trip to Iowa City will most likely show a sea of black and gold stripes as students from Iowa State University cheer on their beloved Hawkeyes of the Big Ten Athletic Conference. The Iowa State University Cyclones are based out of Ames, Iowa.

With four distinct seasons, the average annual temperature ranges between 45 and 52 degrees F. Its hottest month is July, with an afternoon high of 82 degrees. An afternoon high of 22 degrees in its coldest month occurs in January. Bundle up for winter, as the state averages 32 inches of snow per year. Iowa is prone to flooding in June, when the highest average rainfall of 4.6 inches occurs, but flash floods are frequent from June through September.

Iowa encompasses approximately 56,276 square miles. Its biggest cities are the capital of Des Moines, followed by Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City. Approximately 2,590 passengers pass through Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids every day.

Agriculture is a large contributor to the state’s industry, producing about 7 % of the nation’s food supply. Crops include soybeans and oats. Wright County boasts the highest percentage of Grade A topsoil in the country. Farming is prevalent, with hogs, cattle and dairy products. Manufacturing is a close second in industry.

Perhaps the most famous Iowan is the fictitious Walter “Radar” O’Reilly from the hit classic TV series MASH. As a young, fresh-faced company clerk for the 4077th, he often knew when something would happen before it did. Radar frequently referred to the simple home-life of the farm he left behind with his mother and Uncle Ed in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Herbert Hoover was the first U.S. President born west of the Mississippi River. Other famous Iowans are “American Gothic” artist Grant Wood, big band musician Glenn Miller, composer Meredith Wilson, advice columnists Abigail “Dear Abby” Van Buren and Ann Landers, as well as poll taker George H. Gallup.