Bob and I went to the Iowa Old Capitol Building today, which once was the center of government for the territory and then state of Iowa before being given to the university. It now stands as the most prominent landmark on the University of Iowa campus. It is now a free museum providing history of the first Iowa capitol building as well as some exhibits.
The Iowa Territory was opened for settlement in 1838. The cornerstone for the Old Capitol Building was laid in 1840, and the legislature moved into the Capitol in 1842. Iowa became a state in 1846, when President James Polk admitted it to the union as the 29th state. The first Iowa General Assembly chartered the University of Iowa 59 days after Iowa became a state. The state capital was moved to Des Moines in 1857 and the Old Capitol was then given to the university.
(although part of it is now serving as a gift shop)
One of the exhibits that was on display was photos of their annual corn monuments which are created in conjunction with Homecoming. These are massive monuments coated in corn (but of course) as a symbol of the Hawkeye spirit. Unfortunately, Homecoming was last weekend, so we just missed this year’s monument, but we enjoyed looking at those from prior years.
They did this year as well, and Wisconsin sadly (for me) lost.
The museum also had information posted on various individuals who have made a significant contribution to Iowa football. Not sure if this was also in relation to Homecoming or just an indication of the importance of football to the state.
Peckish Travels 