State Historical Society of Iowa

Iowa Boundaries as Defined by the State Constitution, 1857

    Download Image Resource

This document is the original official constitution of the State of Iowa from 1857,
Courtesy of Iowa Secretary of State, "Constitution of the State of Iowa," 1857

Description 

This document is the official first constitution of the State of Iowa. Iowans participated in three constitutional conventions in 1844, 1846 and 1857 - the first constitution was rejected by voters. This version, from 1857, was approved by voters.

Transcribed Excerpt from the Constitution of the State of Iowa

Source-Dependent Questions

  • According to Iowa’s constitution, what document established the northern border of Missouri?
  • What differences do you see in how Iowa’s constitution defines its southern border compared to how it defines its northern border? How might these different definitions lead to conflict?

Citation Information 

"Constitution of the State of Iowa," 1857. Courtesy of Iowa Secretary of State