James Van Allen discovered two zones of radiation that surround the Earth, and these have been named the Van Allen radiation belts in his honor. He has been involved with numerous space projects and is a professor of physics. Birthplace: Mount Pleasant.
A legend on the frontier, William Cody received his nickname from killing thousands of buffalo. He later started his own Wild West show with other famous pioneers and toured the nation, performing shooting exhibitions. Birthplace: Davenport.
The thirty-first president of the United States, Herbert Hoover took office shortly before the Great Depression. The collapse of the nation's economy seemed unstoppable, and Hoover's popularity decreased rapidly. He lost the next election to Franklin Roosevelt. Birthplace: West Branch.
Born Marion Morrison and nicknamed the 'Duke,' John Wayne starred in over 250 movies, most of them Westerns. His acting of quiet heroism can be seen in films such as "Stagecoach" and "Rio Grande." Birthplace: Winterset.
Grant Wood was a famous painter who worked in a detailed realistic style. His most famous painting, American Gothic, features a farm couple with a pitchfork. Birthplace: Anamosa.
