What's in a Nickname? The State Nickname Quiz

Based on a character in the novel, the nickname actually took hold about eight years before Iowa even became a state. It was also a tribute to an Indian warrior called Chief Black Hawk who lived in the area.

A regiment from Maryland fought so bravely at the Battle of Long Island during the Revolutionary War that the future president named an entire state after them.

The Arkansas parks system lobbied the state for the official nickname change in 1995, as tribute to its natural beauty. In 2011, a senator tried to introduce a bill to restore its previous nickname as he wanted Arkansas to be seen are more than just a vacation spot.

Colorado officially achieved statehood in 1876, exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

General Andrew Jackson led a regiment of volunteer soldiers from Tennessee that was so successful that it inspired a nickname. Tennessee also had a massive number of volunteers for the Mexican-American War.

On April 22, 1889, Oklahoma Territory was officially opened for white settlement on a first-come basis. Those who snuck in early to claim a spot before this date were called Sooners. The nickname later came to symbolize the "can-do" spirit of the state.

The origin isn't certain, but many people believe the name was inspired by a speech given by congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899, during which he said, "...frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."

New Mexico eventually landed on "The Land of Enchantment," based on a book title. It also tried for "The Sunshine State," but was too slow because Florida made it official first.

Women in Wyoming could vote, hold public office and serve on juries before women anywhere else in the country.