Nicknames: America's 50 States (First of Four Parts)

Heart of Dixie because it is in the very middle of a group of states in the Deep South.  "Dixie" itself is a nickname for the American South.  It started when Louisiana printed notes with the French word for "ten" on them.  "Deece," or "D-I-X," led to "Dixie."

Last Frontier for understandable reasons.  Near the Arctic Circle, it was the final part of the nation to be explored and settled.

Grand Canyon State because of the famous winding canyon carved by the Colorado River.  The southern state of Arkansas is the Land of Opportunity.  The state legislature chose this nickname.  Arkansas is rich in natural resources and has become a favorite place for older people to retire.

real California, in eighteen forty-eight.  This started a gold rush unlike any other in American history in the Golden State.

Centennial State.   That is because it became a state in eighteen seventy-six, exactly one hundred years after the nation declared its independence.

Nutmeg State after a spice.  Connecticut Yankees, as people in this northeast state are called, are known to be smart in business.  So smart that it was said they could sell wooden, meaning false, nutmegs to strangers.

First State because it was the first state -- the first to approve the new United States Constitution.  The Southern state of Florida likes to tell about its sunny days and fine beaches.  So Florida is the Sunshine State.  Florida's neighbor to the north grows some of the sweetest fruit in America.  So Georgia is the Peach State.

Aloha State. That is the friendly greeting that means both "hello" and "goodbye" in the native Hawaiian language.  So, aloha for now. Next week we will tell you about the nicknames of more American states.