Have you ever looked at a United States map and wondered what the full names of the states are? You’re not alone! In this article, we’ll explore the full names of all 50 states in the USA.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Have you ever looked at a United States map and wondered what the full names of the states are? You’re not alone! In this article, we’ll explore the full names of all 50 states in the USA.
The States in the Northeast
Let’s start with the states in the northeast. Maine’s full name is the State of Maine, while New Hampshire is the State of New Hampshire. Vermont is officially known as the State of Vermont, and Massachusetts is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Rhode Island is the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, while Connecticut is the State of Connecticut.
Question: Why is Rhode Island’s name so long?
Answer: Rhode Island’s full name comes from the fact that the state was originally settled on two different land masses – Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The name was officially changed to simply “Rhode Island” in 2020, but the full name still appears in official documents.
The States in the Midwest
Moving on to the Midwest, we have Ohio – the State of Ohio. Indiana is the Hoosier State, and its official name is the State of Indiana. Illinois is the Prairie State and the State of Illinois. Michigan is the Great Lakes State and the State of Michigan, while Wisconsin is the Badger State and the State of Wisconsin.
Question: Why is Indiana called the Hoosier State?
Answer: The origin of the term “Hoosier” is uncertain, but it’s believed to have been used to refer to Indiana residents as early as the 1820s. One theory is that it comes from the word “husher,” which was used to quiet cattle.
The States in the South
Next, let’s take a look at the states in the south. Kentucky is officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, while Tennessee is the Volunteer State and the State of Tennessee. Virginia is the Old Dominion and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and West Virginia is the Mountain State and the State of West Virginia.
Question: Why is Virginia called the Old Dominion?
Answer: Virginia’s nickname comes from its status as the first English colony in the Americas. It was also a key player in the early years of the United States, and its state seal features the Latin phrase “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” which means “Thus Always to Tyrants.”
The States in the West
Finally, we have the states in the west. California is the Golden State and the State of California, while Oregon is the Beaver State and the State of Oregon. Washington is the Evergreen State and the State of Washington, and Alaska is the Last Frontier and the State of Alaska. Hawaii is the Aloha State and the State of Hawaii.
Question: Why is Alaska called the Last Frontier?
Answer: Alaska’s nickname reflects its rugged, remote landscape. It’s the largest state in the USA by area and is home to some of the most sparsely populated regions in the country.
In conclusion, the full names of the states on the United States map can be interesting and informative. Next time you look at a map of the USA, you’ll have a better understanding of the official names of each state.