Iowa achieved statehood in 1846, becoming the 29th state in the Union. By the time 1900 rolled around, Iowa’s population had boomed to over 2.2 million, spurred along by thousands of immigrants drawn to Iowa’s fertile soil and rich coal veins and rolling in on the great iron horse.

Thanks to the railway, Iowa was connected to the rest of the country in the early 1900s. Even many small towns had several passenger trains running through them daily.

Trains connected the nation, and since coal powered the trains, coal mining became a booming industry in 1900. Coal towns like Buxton sprang up in the Iowa countryside. The rich veins beneath Iowa’s soil were full of black gold.

Coal production peaked around 1915 then dropped off sharply in the 1920s and after. Demand for food will never wane, however. Iowa was well on its way to becoming part of America’s breadbasket in the early 1900s. Farmers raised crops during WWI to feed people across our nation and abroad.

In the early 1900s, people didn’t make it to town often, but as you can see, our patriotic citizens have always made a point to celebrate our nation’s independence.

Workers in Ankeny actually made fireworks for celebrations...

... which may have prompted the need for this horse-drawn fire wagon and crew.

Iowans have always been an industrious lot. Entrepreneurs in the early 1900s began producing a large variety of products, from Quaker oatmeal to Maytag washing machines.

Educating our children has always been important in Iowa.

Iowa’s first school is said to have been started in 1830, and establishing grade schools was a priority in communities as Iowa was settled.

By 1900, Iowa already had 20 colleges, most of which were private institutions. Back then, the University of Northern Iowa was called Iowa State Teachers College and focused on preparing teachers.

Life wasn’t all work in the early 1900s. Swimming in our lakes has been a favorite pastime for many years!

Iowa was also a leader in developing a state park system following the passage of state park legislation in 1917. Backbone, Ledges, and Dolliver State Parks were all established between 1919-1921.

In the 1900s, the most important people in Iowan’s lives were their family. They relied on each other for survival - everyone had to work together! But they also were each other’s primary social group.

Life has changed incredibly since 1900, but many things are still the same. Iowans have learned much from our ancestors: hard work, industriousness, the value of a good education, and a commitment to stewarding the land. We love our families, we work hard, and we have a beautiful state to recreate in! If you love historic photos like these, here are a few more.