Iowa became the twenty-ninth state of the United States on December 28, 1846. Located in the Midwest, it is bordered by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Known as the “Hawkeye State,” Iowa has a strong agricultural economy, producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Its capital is Des Moines, which is also its largest city. Iowa played an important role in westward expansion and American farming development.