National Iowa Day is observed in the United States every February 8 to celebrate Iowa's history as the 29th state to join the Union. This day was created by National Day Calendar as part of its National State Days project, which aims to honor the unique heritage of each state. The origins of Iowa's name trace back to the Iowa Territory, named after the Iowa River, and the state's nickname, "The Hawkeye State," references either the Sauk leader Black Hawk or a character from James Fenimore Cooper's novel. Iowa is also known as "The Corn State" due to its status as the leading corn-producing state in the nation. The day highlights the state's rich history, including its early European exploration by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673 and its transition from French to Spanish and then U.S. control following the Louisiana Purchase. National Iowa Day is part of a broader initiative that includes celebrations for each state, occurring weekly throughout the year.