The State of Iowa is originally a territory of Wisconsin west of the Mississippi River. It was named after the Iowa River. The term "Iowa" refers to Iowa Indians whose tribal name is "Ayuxwa," meaning "one who puts to sleep." It came to be "Iowa" when the French spelled it "Ayoua" and the English "Ioway."

Iowa has a popular nickname in 'The Hawkeye State'. Hawkeye is a scout, said to be a patriotic character contained in James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans, published in 1826. Iowa citizens, though generally called Iowans are upon occasion referred to as Hawkeyes.

The first settlers were French explorers Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette who described the area as lush, green, and fertile; agreeably one fine place that has been home to approximately 17 different tribes. Today, only the Mesquaki tribe, living in Tama County, is left in Iowa.

Modern Iowa remains to be one of the foremost farming states in the country. The state's favorable climate and fertile, rolling farmlands turn out excellent corn and soybeans produce. Farming is so vital that Iowa took the initiative to produce the first tractor. Suitably, the largest tractor manufacturing in the nation is in Iowa.

Des Moines is the state capital. Other important cities are Davenport - home of Saint Ambrose University, Iowa City - home of University of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Sioux City.

The state has two National Parks, the Effigy Mounds National Monument and Herbert Hoover National Historical Site.

• 2006 Iowa State Fair will be held August 10-20, 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa