economie

How every state got its nickname

Tennessee is known as the “Volunteer State” because of the thousands of volunteers from the state that participated in the War of 1812.

According to the Tennessee Historical Society, volunteers played a significant role in the Tennessee militia during the War of 1812.

Then, 40 years later during the Mexican American War, a reported 30,000 Tennesseans responded to a call for 2,600 volunteers.

The University of Tennessee continues to use the nickname today for its sports teams, which are also known as the Vols.

Texas is the “Lone Star State.”
Utah is nicknamed the “Beehive State.”

The Utah State Capitol said, “The beehive symbolizes the Utah community as each person in Utah works together to support and help one another and create a successful industry.”

As a result, depictions of beehives can be found across the state.

Vermont is known as the “Green Mountain State.”
King Charles II may have nicknamed Virginia “Old Dominion.”

Virginia’s nickname, “Old Dominion,” is thought to have originated from two sources: its status as the oldest overseas colony of England or from King Charles II because of its loyalty to the monarchy during the English Civil Wars.

Washington’s been called the “Evergreen State” since the 1800s but it’s still not official.
West Virginia is located in the Appalachian Mountains.

It is the only state located completely within the Appalachian Mountains which is why it was given such a nickname.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the University of West Virginia draws on this fact for its mascot, the Mountaineers.

Wisconsin’s nickname, the “Badger State,” has more to do with mining than real badgers.
Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote and hold office.

Just over 50 years before the 19th Amendment was ratified, Wyoming became the first state to give women the right to vote and hold office.

Unfortunately, the state has not lived up to its nickname. WalletHub reported that the state ranked 48th for women’s equality in 2024 based on factors such as workplace environments, political empowerment, and education and health.