Find Out the First Miss America Winner from Your State

#15: Miss Iowa, 1970 — Cathy Herd

Iowa has never produced a Miss America winner, but Cathy Herd gave the state one of its strongest finishes in 1970 when she placed as second runner-up. Born and raised in Burlington, she was admired for her vocal talent and her graceful stage presence.

Though she didn’t capture the crown, Herd’s high placement marked a milestone for Iowa. Her performance showed that contestants from the Hawkeye State could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the nation, inspiring generations of local competitors to aim higher.