Iowa History Month March Madness

Iowa History March Madness

March Madness isn't just for basketball fans. It's also for Iowa history! This month learn about some of the most revolutionary Iowans, vote for some of the most influential Iowans, and celebrate all of the Iowans who have contributed to our state's history.

How it Works

Learn 

Spend Iowa History Month learning about 32 of the most revolutionary early Iowans who made contributions to life in Iowa prior to 1920. State Historical Society staff have identified some of the most influential Iowans from our state's early history. We couldn't include everyone, but hopefully you will find some well-known figures and maybe learn about a few lesser-known Iowans too. These men and women represent all parts of our Iowa's past: politicians, artists, local leaders, and many more. 

Complete 

These 32 individuals have been randomly sorted into to two brackets and now it's your turn to weigh in! Fill out your own bracket to predict who will be identified as the most revolutionary Iowans in each round. Get together with friends, your classroom, book club, or follow along on your own. See if your picks make it all the way.

For Classrooms

Teachers can use this quick guide to integrate the Iowa History March Madness bracket into their own classrooms, with activities scaffolded for elementary and secondary settings.

Vote

Voting Schedule (each round closes at 11:59 p.m. on the final day):

March 2–5: Geode Bracket First Round Voting (VOTING CLOSED)

March 9–12: Goldfinch Bracket First Round Voting (VOTING CLOSED)

March 16–19: Sweet Sixteen Voting (Second Round Geode and Goldfinch) (VOTING CLOSED)

March 23–26: Elite Eight Voting (Third Round Geode and Goldfinch) (VOTING CLOSED)

March 30–April 2: Final Four Voting (Geode and Goldfinch Championship Round) (VOTING CLOSED)

April 6–9: Championship Voting (Geode Champion v. Goldfinch Champion) VOTE NOW! 

Geode Bracket

The winner will face off against the Goldfinch Bracket Champion. 

Learn more about Iowans in the Geode Bracket!

Goldfinch Bracket

The winner will face off against the Geode Bracket Champion.

Learn more about the Goldfinch Bracket!

Fill Out Your Own Bracket 

Play along by filling out your own bracket to guess which early Iowans will be identified as the most revolutionary! 

2026 Iowa History March Madness - Tournament Results

The votes are in, and Poweshiek has been named the winner of our 2026 Iowa History Month March Madness tournament. From 32 revolutionary Iowans, this Meskwaki leader rose to the top through each round of voting.

Explore the completed bracket below to see how the competition unfolded. Learn more about Poweshiek's life, leadership, and lasting impact on Iowa’s history, along with all the contenders from the Goldfinch and Geode brackets.