1. What is Iowa’s only connection to the original Declaration of Independence?
In 1947 a descendant of Matthew Thornton, one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, donated a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1843 known as a William Stone copy. The document is part of the State Historical Museum of Iowa collection located in Des Moines and is currently on display as part of the newest interactive experience, the Revolutionary Iowa Exhibit Experience.
2. Was there ever a Civil War battle fought in Iowa?
Yes, positioned directly across the Mississippi River from the Battle of Athens, is Croton Civil War Park which is the site of the only engagement to reach Iowa soil. In 1864 there was a Confederate raid on Croton, Iowa.
3. Have any other wars been fought on Iowa soil?
Yes, the Honey War was a territorial dispute in 1839 between the Iowa Territory and Missouri over the border. While militias form both sides faced each other, there was no bloodshed, but a Missouri sheriff collecting taxes in Iowa was incarcerated and three trees containing beehives were cut down hence the name Honey War. Ultimately, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Iowa’s favor to affirm a nearly 30 mile jog in the nearly straight border between southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri at Keokuk, Iowa that is now Iowa’s southernmost point.
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