Chapter 1
The wild frontier of animal nicknames
Chapter 2
Bizarre origins of famous insults
Chapter 3
Geography and the natural world
Chapter 4
Politics, history, and official battles
YOUR GOAL
Master of Secret histories of state nicknames
Ch 3 · Geography and the natural world
schopenhauer Alaska's Coastline
More coastline, / than the rest combined, / Alaska's shoreline!
schopenhauer New Hampshire's "Granite State" nickname celebrates both its geology and the perceived strength of its citizens.
schopenhauer Ohio's "Buckeye State" nickname comes from a native tree with toxic, nut-like seeds.
BETA
schopenhauer Swipe through historical trivia to discover how each state earned its unique nickname.
Fun Fact
Poisonous buckeyes: Ohio's famous buckeye nuts are actually highly toxic to humans and animals unless specifically leached and prepared.
Glossary
canyon (noun)
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it. Arizona's Grand Canyon, plunging over a mile deep, inspired the official nickname of the state.
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it. Arizona's Grand Canyon, plunging over a mile deep, inspired the official nickname of the state.
Quiz
What physical feature of the landscape gives Vermont the nickname "Green Mountain State"?
Quiz
Which state is called the "Sunflower State" due to its vast fields of wild yellow flowers?
Quiz
What atmospheric phenomenon gives Hawaii its popular unofficial nickname besides "Aloha State"?
Quiz
Who coined the nickname "Evergreen State" for Washington in the late 19th century?
Quiz
Which state is known as the "Granite State" because of its extensive stone quarries?