The origin of Iowa’s official nickname, the Hawkeye State, is a blend of literary inspiration, journalistic promotion, and historical tribute. The name became permanently attached to the state through a confluence of figures and events during the early territorial period in the 1830s.
The Literary Spark
The initial inspiration for the name traces back to James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel, The Last of the Mohicans. The novel featured a celebrated frontiersman named Hawkeye, known for his exceptional marksmanship and knowledge of the wilderness. Early settlers and promoters in the Iowa Territory admired the traits embodied by the resourceful scout, seeing the name as a fitting symbol for the rugged, independent spirit they wished to associate with their new land.
The Role of the Press
The name’s popularization was largely driven by two prominent figures in Burlington, the territorial capital. Judge David Rorer began using the term “Hawkeyes” in his writings to refer to the people of the territory. Rorer sought to proactively establish a positive identity and enlisted the help of his friend, newspaper editor James G. Edwards, to promote the name.
Edwards, who published the Iowa Patriot, changed his publication’s masthead in 1839, renaming the paper the Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot. This move gave the nickname widespread visibility and legitimacy. The consistent use of the name in the press ensured that “Hawkeye” became the default term for the territory and its residents.
A Tribute to a Chief
While the literary connection provided the word, the name also carried historical weight as a tribute to a local figure. Many early promoters, including James G. Edwards, intended the nickname to honor the Sauk Chief Black Hawk. Black Hawk was a prominent leader known for his resistance to American expansion during the Black Hawk War of 1832. The conflict occurred just before the Iowa Territory was formally organized, making the Chief a respected figure, even among some settlers.
Edwards explicitly stated that the newspaper’s name change was intended to “rescue from oblivion a memento, at least of the name of the old chief.” This dual meaning allowed the nickname to simultaneously evoke the bravery of a fictional frontiersman and honor a significant Native American leader. The name thus served as a nod to both the romanticized ideal of the frontier and the complex history of the region.
The Modern Hawkeye Legacy
The nickname gained official approval from territorial officials in 1838, solidifying its status before Iowa achieved statehood in 1846. The state legislature formally adopted “The Hawkeye State” as the official state nickname in 1977, recognizing its long-standing cultural significance.
Today, the most visible manifestation of the nickname is through the University of Iowa. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Hawkeyes, and their mascot, Herky the Hawk, is a widely recognized symbol of the state. This enduring legacy ensures the name remains a central part of Iowa’s identity.