Nicknames for miles
How many pelicans does it take? The stories behind 10 US state nicknames
Image: Pixabay
Who first called New York the "Empire State"? Does Minnesota actually have 10,000 lakes? And why is Florida the "Sunshine State," if Arizona boasts more sunny days a year? The nicknames that the U.S. states have cultivated over the decades are straightforward in some cases but very intriguing in others. What is a "Hoosier," and how many pelicans are there in Louisiana? Let’s explore the stories behind these license-plate monickers and whether others were considered for these 10 states.
1
The Show-Me State
Image: Chris Duan
Missouri’s license plates contain one of the strangest state nicknames in our list: The Show-Me State. Does that speak of residents with a no-nonsense, skeptical character? In part. This title can be traced back to 1899, when U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver used the phrase in a speech, implying that Missourians aren't easily swayed by "frothy eloquence" and need proof, saying, "I am from Missouri. You have got to show me. "
Since then, though "Show-Me State" isn't an official legislative title, it has been recognized as part of the state’s identity. Beyond this nickname, Missouri also holds others such as "The Cave State" due to its large number of caves, and "The Mother of the West" because of its historical significance in westward expansion.
2
The Hoosier State
Image: Pixabay
Indiana is famously known as "The Hoosier State", though the origin of this monicker is one of the most debated topics in the state’s history. One popular theory attributes it to a canal contractor named Samuel Hoosier, who preferred to hire workers from Indiana. These laborers were known as "Hoosier’s men," which eventually shortened to "Hoosiers."
Others say it came from the frontier slang word hoozer , meaning "someone from a rural area". Whichever version is real, "Hoosier" gained popularity in the 1830s through a poem titled The Hoosier's Nest by John Finley, which celebrated Indiana’s rural charm. The "Hoosier Dome" (now the site of Lucas Oil Stadium) and companies like the Hoosier Bat Company embraced the nickname. Indiana is sometimes also known as the "Crossroads of America" for being a key geographical center for major highways.
3
The Beehive State
Image: David Hablützel
The nickname "Beehive State" has roots in Utah's founding by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). When these settlers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, they viewed the beehive as an emblem of industriousness, unity, connection, and hard work —qualities they wanted their new society to represent.
The other term used to reference all things Utah is "Deseret," with a similar story: the term appeared in the Book of Mormon standing for "honeybee." It’s also the reason why the state’s motto is "Industry", and features an illustration of a beehive in the center of the state’s flag.
4
The Land of 10,000 Lakes
Image: Josh Hild
Minnesota actually has around 11,842 lakes , excluding smaller ponds and wetlands. But calling it "The Land of Over 11,842 Lakes" would have been a nuisance. This nickname evokes the territory’s vast natural beauty: The catchy term was adopted as part of a strategic tourism campaign in the early 20th century, aiming to get more Americans to visit the state. With the automobile industry booming, Minnesota promoted itself as a destination for camping, boating, and fishing.
The slogan helped create a reputation for Minnesota as a water paradise and led to the formation of the Ten Thousand Lakes of Minnesota Association in 1917, which spread the message of the joys of lakeside vacations. Within a decade, Minnesota's lakes were drawing visitors from across the country. The state is also sometimes called "The North Star State" or L'Étoile du Nord for being the northernmost state in the contiguous U.S.
5
The Empire State
Image: Frederik Sørensen
The Empire State is New York's longstanding nickname. It’s hard to dispute: it stands for the state’s significant economic, cultural, and historical influence. Though the exact origin of the nickname remains unclear, it’s believed to have stemmed from a comment by George Washington in 1785, where he referred to New York as the "Seat of the Empire" in recognition of its central role in the post-Revolutionary War. With time, this expression grew into the nickname "Empire State".
The famous Empire State Building is an example of the prevalence of the nickname: The iconic skyscraper was completed in 1931 and held the title of the world's tallest building for several decades. The Empire State Plaza in Albany, a government complex, is another example. New York also goes by other nicknames, including "The Excelsior State," referencing the state motto, "Excelsior," meaning "ever upward."
6
The Pelican State
Image: Zac Lois
How many pelicans does it take to earn a full state this nickname? It is said that early settlers were impressed not just by the amount of birds in the territory’s bayou, but by the nurturing character that the birds showed. The brown pelican eventually became the state’s official bird and prominent emblem. It was endangered in the '60s, but fortunately, thanks to the state’s efforts in banning the pesticides that harmed them, the population was restored.
Louisiana also has other descriptive nicknames. It’s known as "The Bayou State" for its lush marshlands, "The Creole State" for its unique culture, and "The Sportsman’s Paradise."
7
The Lone Star State
Image: Lucas Beck
The "Lone Star" reflects Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico , when Texas briefly became its own republic before joining the United States in 1845. This star stood as a symbol of pride and the determination for self-governance. Today, it still shines bright in the middle of Texas’ flag.
Texas has a few other nicknames, though they’re less well-known. In the 1960s, The New Yorker called it the "Super-American State". Texas has also been called "The Beef State" and "The Jumbo State".
8
The Golden State
Image: Elizabeth Iris
Is it because of the beautiful sunsets tainting the Pacific Coast in a golden light? Well, no. California’s nickname, "The Golden State," refers to multiple facets of its history. Most prominently, it alludes to the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855, a period that saw thousands flock to the state. Gold remains a powerful symbol in California, commemorated by the state’s official colors, blue and gold, representing the state’s skies, beaches, and mineral wealth.
The state also boasts an official fish, the California golden trout, and a butterfly, the California dogface butterfly, whose hues contribute to this golden theme. There are other unofficial names, such as "The Land of Milk and Honey" and "The Grape State."
9
The Sunshine State
Image: Nextvoyage
Who could dispute this nickname? Florida boasts an impressive average of 237 sunny days a year, so of course we would refer to it as "The Sunshine State." Florida's year-round pleasant weather has positioned it as a top destination for those seeking a break from colder regions, especially in winter. But technically, Florida isn’t the sunniest state —that title goes to Arizona .
Before settling on "The Sunshine State," Florida had other, less recognized nicknames, including the "Alligator State" and "Everglade State." Today, the "Sunshine State" nickname supports Florida’s brand as a sunny paradise, though it’s worth noting that its climate also includes frequent rain and thunderstorms, making it both sunny and tropically lush year-round.
10
The Natural State
Image: Jessica Garner
The state is renowned for its 52 state parks , lush forests, clear rivers, and diverse geography that includes everything from mountainous regions to bayous. Arkansas earned its official nickname, "The Natural State," in 1995, replacing "The Land of Opportunity." This new name aided in promoting it as a top destination for outdoor-enthusiast tourists.
Arkansas has had several other notable nicknames throughout its history. "The Bear State" was one of its earliest names, winking at the high number of black bears once found there. "The Wonder State" was adopted in the 1920s to highlight its natural wonders, and "The Land of Opportunity" came into use around the 1940s as part of an economic development initiative.
