Iowa is one of the most colorful states in the United States. History and sights

The name of this state is related to its Indian origin. About 13 thousand years ago, the territory was inhabited by the tribes of Aiwa, Missouri and Santi. In the 13th century, France and Spain fought for these fertile lands, and 100 years later the US authorities bought out their future staff, which later became one of the main targets of the struggle for the Wild West.

Clashes with the Indians

In the middle of the XIX century the state of Iowa completely becomes American. But the policy of ousting the indigenous Indian population led to the emergence of armed conflicts in various parts of the state, in which a large number of people died. Later, the authorities are thinking about how to attract immigrants to the liberated territory, as a result of which the state is gradually populated by immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia, who subsequently took an active part in the development of agriculture.

Food Capital

The State of Iowa, called "corn", was visited by NS Khrushchev more than 50 years ago. During the visit, he looked at the farms of local residents and wanted to grow the "queen of fields" in the USSR.

It is not for nothing that this American territory is considered the world food capital: every year a big harvest of oats and soybeans is received here, and the state has long been recognized as the leader by the number of pigs and cattle.

However, economic crises led to the fact that the agricultural region began to pay special attention to industry. There are several factories on the territory of the state for the processing and production of canned products.

The multimillion staff

Famous for the plains and prairies, which make up a significant part of the natural landscape, Iowa has a large population. More than 3 million people live in it. The capital of the state is the former fort of Des Moines, built as far back as 1843. Now it has turned into a big beautiful city with a developed infrastructure and a powerful insurance sector.

It can not be said that the territory of the state is extremely attractive for tourists, because there are very unstable weather conditions, which up to 37 times a year lead to storms, tornadoes and floods. However, despite this, the state has numerous museums that attract curious travelers, and natural attractions are unusual for a special, untouched by civilization beauty.

USA, Iowa: attractions. Legal Library

The main attraction is an architectural monument, opened in 1886 in the state capital. The capitol with 5 domes is the only one in the country, it houses the office of the governor of Iowa. Until the 30s of the XX century, this building, which arouses great interest among tourists, was the highest.

On the second floor of the Capitol is a legal library, doors to which are always open to those who are interested in issues of legislation, history of jurisprudence and international legal problems. It should be noted that among the visitors of this unusual library there are many ordinary people who have heard about the beauties of this magnificent room. It is this unique sight that is famous, first of all, for the state of Iowa (see photo below).

The library has more than 200 thousand items of storage and is one of the most significant collections of legal literature in the United States.

To climb into the central hall, which accommodates 4 levels of galleries, you can by metal forged stairs, equipped with handrails. A bright glass mosaic is lined with a ceiling and a floor, and the high walls are decorated with marble panels. This ancient building is rightfully one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Religious shrine

A historical monument, considered an important religious shrine, is located in the city of West Bend (Iowa). Sights, consisting of 9 grottoes, were created by the hands of a man. Built by a priest who has recovered from illness and praying to the Virgin Mary, the Grotto of Atonement now resembles a small block.

More than 40 years have been a hard work to build a shrine of precious stones and minerals. In an unusual museum there is a bronze sculpture of the builder-priest, executed by his followers.

Zoo for children and adults

In the capital of the state is located a unique zoo, which allows not only to examine animals, but also to feed them. On a small plot there is an aquarium with fish from all over the world, cages with formidable lions and tigers, merry monkeys, funny penguins. All inhabitants of living nature are kept in conditions close to natural ones.

For children built areas with a variety of entertainment: fascinating mazes, high slides, corners for archaeological excavations.

The state of Iowa allows you to penetrate American history and culture, visit the picturesque botanical gardens, go to the Fourth Street of Su-City, famous for holding jazz festivals in the open air. Tourists point out the special benevolence of the local population, carefully preserving the memory of their ancient roots.