Iowa has always been one of the more progressive states. Since gaining statehood in 1846, we have been taking big strides to be a leader in civil rights and equality. From being the first state to allow women to go to college, to constructing the first mosque in America, here are 10 things that Iowa was the first state in the U.S. to do.

1. In 1857, The University of Iowa became the first state university in the nation to open its degree programs to women.
Derek Bruff/Flickr
2. In 1869, Iowan Julia C. Addington became the first woman in the United States to be elected to a public office. She was elected to be Mitchell County Superintendent.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
3. In 1871, Ada E. North became the first woman in the United States to be appointed to a statewide office. She was appointed as the Iowa State Librarian.
Miguel M. Almeida/Flickr
4. In 1869, Iowa became the first state to allow women to join the bar, which led to Iowa having the first female attorney in the U.S.: Arabella Mansfield.
MCAD Library/Flickr
5. In 1875, Emma Haddock of Iowa City became the first female in the United States to practice law before a federal court.
Rae Allen/Flickr

Related Stories

Visit The Heart of Mississippi River History In Iowa At The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum

Visit The Heart of Mississippi River History In Iowa At The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Iowa

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Iowa

 This Easy 3-Mile Trail In Iowa Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 3-Mile Trail In Iowa Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
6. In 1934, the first mosque built in the United States was erected in Cedar Rapids. It is now known as the Mother Mosque of America.
RifeIdeas/Wikimedia Commons
7. In 1851, Iowa became the second state to legalize interracial marriage - a century before the rest of America.
Abhishek Jacob/Flickr
While these next few are seconds rather than firsts, they are still extremely important examples of how Iowa was making history with its progressiveness.
8. In 1846, Iowa became the second state in the nation to allow married women to own property.
Greene County, Pennsylvania/Flickr
9. In 1868, Iowa became the second state to outlaw segregated schools - 90 years before the rest of America.
USAG- Humphreys/Flickr
10. In 2007, Iowa became the second state to allow full marriage equality for gays and lesbians.
Alan Light/Flickr

This goes to show how great a state Iowa really is, and just how much history we’ve made, even if you don’t hear much about it.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles