About Ames

• Cloris Leachman, the Emmy and Oscar-winning actress, was born in Des Moines and raised in Ames.
• The first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), was invented at Iowa State.
• Iowa State University's establishment in 1858 cemented Ames' place as an educational hub.
• Ames was a filming location for the 1996 film "Twister", because of its flat terrain.
• The Great Labor Day Storm of 1950 brought a record low pressure and significant damage.
• It was named after Congressman Oakes Ames in 1864, honoring his support for the railroad.
• With 66,427 residents, it's larger than most Iowa college towns.
• Its elevation is 928 feet, higher than many other Iowa cities.
• Education and research at Iowa State drive much of the local economy.
• Ames feels like a blend of academic energy and Midwestern charm.
• The Iowa Wild (AHL) are in Des Moines, about 30 minutes away, and are affiliated with the Minnesota Wild.
• Iowa State's rivalry with the University of Iowa, especially in football, is called the Cy-Hawk series.

Artists From Ames

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