Which U.S. State is Known as the 'Hawkeye State'? Check Here!

The nickname "Hawkeye State" is a point of pride and curiosity for many Americans. This moniker, while not as widely recognized as "The Golden State" or "The Lone Star State," has deep historical roots and is a key part of the state's identity. But which state is it, and where did the name come from?

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Which U.S. State is Called the 'Hawkeye State'?

The U.S. state known as the "Hawkeye State" is Iowa. Located in the Midwestern United States, Iowa is famous for its rolling plains, agricultural output, and its unique nickname. The name is often celebrated on state symbols and in local culture.

Why is it called the Hawkeye State?

The nickname is a tribute to Chief Black Hawk, a leader of the Sauk tribe. During the 1830s, his tribe was involved in the Black Hawk War, a conflict with the United States over land in the region. The name was first popularized in the 1830s by two Iowa pioneers, James G. Edwards and Reuben M. Sanders, who named their newspaper the "Dubuque Visitor". A few weeks later, they changed its name to the "Iowa News" and published an article suggesting the nickname to honor the chief. This was seen as a gesture of respect and a way to memorialize a significant figure in the state's history. The name caught on, and by 1838, the Iowa territory was already being referred to as the Hawkeye State. The name became official in 1846 when Iowa was granted statehood.

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Interesting Facts About the Hawkeye State

• Official Recognition: While the nickname "Hawkeye State" has been in use for a long time, it wasn't officially adopted by the state legislature until 1977. This was done to formally recognize its historical significance.

• University Mascot: The University of Iowa's athletic teams are called the Iowa Hawkeyes. Their mascot, Herky the Hawk, is a very visible representation of the state's nickname. 

• State Quarter: The Iowa state quarter, released in 2004, features an image of a one-room schoolhouse and a stylized rendering of a hawk flying overhead, along with the inscription "Hawkeye State."