How Iowa Became a State

The state of Iowa has a long and fascinating history that has shaped the state into what it is today. From its earliest Native American inhabitants to its eventual statehood, Iowa has gone through many changes. Iowa was first explored by European settlers in the early 1700s and was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It was then organized as part of the Michigan Territory in 1834 and became the Iowa Territory in 1838. After a long and difficult process, Iowa was finally admitted to the Union as the 29th state on December 28, 1846.

Pre-Statehood

Native American presence

Prior to Iowa becoming a state, the land was inhabited by many Native American tribes. The most prominent of these tribes were the Sauk and Fox, Sioux, and Ioway. The Sauk and Fox lived in the eastern part of the state, while the Sioux lived in the western part. The Ioway lived in the southern part of the state, and were the first Native American tribe to sign a treaty with the United States government. These tribes had lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of European settlers.

French and Spanish exploration

In the early 1700s, French explorers began to explore the region that would become Iowa. They were followed by Spanish explorers in the late 1700s. These explorers encountered the Native American tribes and established trading posts in the area. The French and Spanish explorers also mapped the region and named many of the rivers and towns that are still in use today. The French and Spanish explorers also established a few settlements in the area, but these were abandoned when the United States acquired the region in 1803.

Early Statehood

Iowa Territory

The Iowa Territory was created in 1838, when the Wisconsin Territory was split in two. The Iowa Territory included all of the land that is now Iowa, as well as parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The first territorial governor was Robert Lucas, who was appointed by President Martin Van Buren. The territory was divided into two districts, the Dubuque District in the northeast and the Sioux District in the northwest. The capital of the Iowa Territory was Burlington, which was located in the southeast corner of the territory.

The Iowa Territory was a largely rural area, with a population of about 20,000 people. The majority of the population was made up of Native Americans, with a small number of settlers from the east. The economy of the territory was largely based on farming and fur trading. The government of the territory was largely controlled by the federal government, with the governor appointed by the president.

Admission to the Union

In 1846, the Iowa Territory applied for statehood. The application was approved by Congress, and Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846. The first governor of the state was Ansel Briggs, who was elected by the people of Iowa. The state constitution was adopted in 1846, and the state government was established.

The state of Iowa was largely rural, with a population of about 190,000 people. The economy of the state was based on agriculture, with the majority of the population living on farms. The state was divided into nine counties, with the capital located in Iowa City. The state government was largely controlled by the state legislature, which was elected by the people of Iowa.

The admission of Iowa to the Union was a major milestone in the history of the United States. It was the first state to be admitted to the Union west of the Mississippi River, and it was the first state to be admitted to the Union after the Mexican-American War. The admission of Iowa to the Union marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the United States.

Post-Statehood

Growth of Population

After Iowa became a state in 1846, its population began to grow rapidly. The first census taken in 1847 showed that the population had grown to nearly 191,000 people. This number continued to increase over the years, with the population reaching 1.6 million by the year 2000. The population growth was largely due to the influx of immigrants from Europe, who were attracted to the state by the promise of a better life. The growth of Iowa's population was also aided by the development of the railroad system in the mid-1800s, which made it easier for people to travel to and from the state.

Development of Industry

The development of industry in Iowa was also a major factor in the population growth. The state's fertile soil and abundant natural resources made it an ideal location for agricultural production, and the state quickly became a major producer of corn, wheat, and other grains. By the late 1800s, Iowa had also become a major producer of livestock, and the state's manufacturing sector began to grow as well. The development of the railroad system also helped to spur the growth of industry in Iowa, as it allowed for the transportation of goods and materials to and from the state. In addition, the development of the steel industry in the late 1800s helped to further boost the state's economy.