Iowa State Nickname

The Hawkeye State

Iowa is commonly referred to as the "Hawkeye State." This nickname is closely associated with the state's history and honors the fictional character Hawkeye, a renowned scout in James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans." The moniker was officially adopted in 1838, and it reflects the state's commitment to frontier values and pioneer spirit. The name was suggested by early Iowa settler Judge David Rorer, who was inspired by the novel and felt that it embodied the characteristics of the state's residents. The University of Iowa in Iowa City also adopted the Hawkeye name for its athletic teams, further solidifying the connection between the state and its nickname.

State Quizzes & Flashcards

Test your knowledge of the 50 States of the USA with these fun and interactive quizzes & flashcards!

Fee USA Maps

Download and printout hundreds of state maps. Each state map comes in PDF format, with capitals and cities, both labeled and blank. Visit FreeVectorMaps.com for thousands of free world, country and USA maps. View all USA Maps