Here Are 10 Things That Iowa Was The First State To Do

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.

In 1857, The University of Iowa became the first state university in the nation to open its degree programs to women.

Derek Bruff/Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

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.

In 1846, Iowa became the second state in the nation to allow married women to own property.

Greene County, Pennsylvania/Flickr

In 1868, Iowa became the second state to outlaw segregated schools - 90 years before the rest of America.

USAG- Humphreys/Flickr

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.