The first Europeans to reach Iowa were two French explorers in 1673. The first permanent settlement did not take place until the early 1830s. In the meantime, both pioneers and Native Americans moved through the area exploring and hunting. The combined French and Native American history can be seen in geographic names throughout the state such as Des Moines, Dubuque, Le Mars, Ottumwa, Keokuk, and Onawa.
The area that today constitutes the modern state of Iowa was included in the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. After the purchase of Eastern Iowa from the Fox and Sauk in the 1830s, settlers rapidly moved into the land. The Territory of Iowa was established in 1838, with a population of 23,242. In 1846, it joined the U.S. Union. The population of Iowa rapidly grew during the 1850s, and the Spirit Lake Massacre in 1857 marked the final instance of Native American hostility in the state.
The immediate years before the American Civil War were marked with lawlessness, vigilantes, and lynchings accompanying the unsteady beginnings of a new society. Iowa was deeply involved on both sides of the issues that led to the Civil War. Iowa became well-known for assisting in the escape of slaves from the South to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The state also contributed more soldiers to the war than any other state. No battles were fought in Iowa, but a Confederate guerrilla raid from Missouri occurred in 1864. Today Iowa is recognized as a state with fertile lands and beautiful vistas.
Tanja's Little Corner of The World 