Volume 17, Issue No. 2, Mar/Apr 2025
As we commemorate the 160th anniversary of the conclusion of the American Civil War, we reveal some of the reasons why Iowans volunteered to fight in it by examining their letters from the front lines, 1861-1865. From the patriotic and the principled, to the provocation and profitability, author Timothy Walch traces the motivation for military service as reflected in the letters exchanged between Iowa soldiers and their families in the first part of his two-part series for our cover story.
In his column, publisher Michael Swanger bids a heartfelt farewell to Jake, IHJ’s beloved office companion and furry family member.
Learn about mathematician Oswald Veblen, whose brilliant work advanced atomic physics and the theory of relativity, and who helped to create the Institute for Advanced Study. Loyal Rue, emeritus professor of philosophy and religion at Luther College chronicles Veblen’s life and career.
Ready to get in the garden? Author and garden historian Beth Cody writes how Iowa’s gardens have evolved since the mid-19th century and shares vintage photos to illustrate her story.
News flash! Get the riveting, true-crime story of the 1895 Adel State Bank robbery and how it made national news from Mike Flinn.
Arvid Huisman recalls the routines and chaos of a family of eight at meal time in his “Country Roads” column.
TO READ MORE FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store.