Think you know Iowa? Think again. Behind the rolling cornfields and peaceful small towns lies a state bursting with weird wonders, forgotten milestones, and quirky surprises. Welcome to Iowa —a state that’s been underestimated, misunderstood, and quietly amazing since the day it was founded. From world-changing inventions and oddball laws to haunted bridges and unsolved mysteries, the Hawkeye State is more than just farmland and friendly folks . It’s a place where the unexpected hides in plain sight. In A Historian Guide to Iowa Trivia , historian and bestselling trivia author Robert O. Petterson takes you on a captivating journey through the state's strangest, wildest, and most fascinating moments —all backed by real history and an eye for the absurd. Inside, you’ll uncover: Why a group of rebellious farmers once created their own country within Iowa’s borders - The bizarre invention born in Iowa that you probably use every week - A town that changed its name in exchange for… a TV? - The chilling tale of the Villisca Ax Murders that still haunts the state to this day - Which legendary Hollywood star was born in a tiny Iowa town and hated admitting it - How Iowa played an unlikely role in the start of the computer age This isn’t the history you learned in school. It’s the real, raw, and ridiculous side of Iowa that locals whisper about and outsiders can’t believe is true. Whether you're a proud Iowan, a trivia nut, a curious traveler, or just someone who thinks the Midwest might be more mysterious than it lets on, this book is your invitation to explore the Hawkeye State like never before. Perfect for: ✅ History buffs and fun-fact fanatics ✅ Road trippers, students, and local storytellers ✅ Fans of true crime, tall tales, and state pride ✅ Anyone who wants to finally answer, “What’s actually cool about Iowa?” A Historian Guide to Iowa Trivia is part of the widely celebrated US Trivia Collection , a one-of-a-kind series that unearths the strange, hilarious, and historic treasures buried in every corner of America. Think Iowa is just fields and fairs? Think again. Grab your copy and dig into the stories that make Iowa unforgettable.