Has anyone noticed that there have been quite a few states’ birthdays in the last few weeks?

Well, today we are celebrating another one — happy birthday to the state of Iowa!

163 years ago today, Iowa was admitted as the 29th U.S. state!

If you like corn, you like Iowa. In fact, 20% of our nation’s corn comes from the Hawkeye State, reinforcing its nickname as the Food Capital of the World!

Visit History.com to learn more about our 29th state! In the meantime, check out these fun facts:

• A full 90 percent of Iowa’s land is devoted to farming.
• Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the United States. More than 99 percent of Iowa’s citizens can read.
• Iowa gets more tornadoes than any other state. A tornado is a mighty twisting windstorm. At the center of the storm, the wind can travel as fast as 300 miles per hour.
• A three-day tulip festival is held in the town of Pella each year to commemorate the contributions of Iowa’s early Dutch residents.
• Iowa’s most well-attended event is its annual state fair, which attracts more than 1 million visitors each year from around the Midwest. Attendees can check out innovations in farming, prize livestock and delicious baked goods.
• Iowan Herbert Hoover, who served as U.S. president from 1929 to 1933, was the first commander in chief to be born west of the Mississippi.
• “Iowa” is the only state name that begins with two vowels.
• Can’t decide between a chocolate bar and ice cream? Get both! The “Eskimo Pie”—a chocolate-covered ice cream bar—was invented in Iowa by Onawa native Chris Nelson.