State Archives
The State Archives of Iowa contains historic state government records that document Iowa history. The archives are organized by record groups that represent the structure and function of government — past and present. Documents held in the State Archives may be accessed by visiting the State Historical Research Center in Des Moines.
Governors’ Records
Records in the Governors’ record group document the functions and responsibilities of the Office of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and date from Iowa's first territorial Governor, Robert Lucas (1838-1841) through Governor Terry Branstad (2011-2017). Two examples of records series unique to a single governorship are Gov. William L. Harding’s Council of Defense records from World War I and Gov. Robert D. Rays records of Refugee Programs, following the Viet Nam War. Prior to 1913, most records from the governor’s office are organized by record series and then by date. After 1913, most governors are arranged by governor and then by series and date.
- Overview of Office of Governor Record Group
- Background documents on Iowa Governors
- Search our collection catalog
State Archives Indexes
The following are indexes to select holdings in the State Archives.
- Applications for Registration of Label, Trademark, et al
- GAR Post Numbers and Named Index
- GAR Membership Cards
- Governor's Criminal Correspondence
- Mining Fatalities Index
State Land Patents Issued
- Agricultural College Land Grant by Purchaser
- Des Moines River Grant
- Saline Land Grants by Purchaser
- University Land Grant by Purchaser