• Types of Business and Industry
• Workers
• Agriculture
• Iowa

As part of a global economy, Iowa products and services are used throughout the nation and the world. Choose a topic above to explore more about Iowa's business and industry.

 

• Interior of the Colby Motor Company
• J.W. Witmer & Company Insurance
• Sheaffer Pen Company
• Washing machine assembly line
• Union members picketing
• Punched pearl button shells
• Elevators at Quaker Oats plant
• Hybrid seed plant
• War Changes Maytag Products
• The Iowa Bystander Publisher Fights for Success
• The Depression Years
• Iowa's Meatpacking Industry

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Investigation Tip:
Consider the many ideas to explore on this page. How might they be related to your topic? Are there new questions about your topic?

 

• What would it be like to visit a coal mine in 1878?
• This timeline from the 17th Century to present shows agricultural trade and development.
• Find out more about the Indian tribes that traded along the Mississippi River.
• Would you want to clone your pet? Do you care if your strawberry contains a gene for fish?
• Cars designed by Frederick and August Duesenberg were known for speed, style and luxury.
• In 1995, the President of the United States was introduced by Senator Tom Harkin with a joke: No one should be allowed to be president, if they don't understand hogs.
• If you were starting a new business, find out what you have to gain by coming to Iowa.
• Iowa's connection to the sky is nearly as strong as its connection to the land.
• Can you imagine plowing the prairie with this farm implement?
• Life in a lumber camp in the Midwest was very difficult. Find out from someone who lived that life.
• Find out about the chilling effects ice has on Waterloo industry.
• The Iowa Hall of Pride showcases the achievements of all Iowans, from student athletes to sports legends, movie stars to scientists.

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Business and Industry

Food for your cat or dog.
Breakfast snacks.
Aircraft flight controls.
Surveillance equipment.
Construction machinery.

People all over the world use these products. And all are made in Iowa.

Since early times Iowans have been involved in business and industry—the buying, selling and producing of goods and services. When people from Europe came to the land that became Iowa, native people sold them goods and services. The European settlers made some of their own products. They also bought items from businesses in Europe. As time passed, factories in the eastern part of America produced goods. Factories were built in Iowa too. Throughout the history of Iowa people all over the world have depended on products and services from Iowa.

Iowa's businesses and industries have changed over time. From grist mills and button factories to Global Positioning Systems and insurance services, discover how Iowa workers have adapted to new ideas.

 

1. Business & Industry