Nicknames are common for people and sports teams, but why would a U.S. state have a nickname? The 50 States in the U.S. all have special and different qualities that they like to boast about, some of which are used to attract people to the state, whether to live there or just for a visit, while others are rooted in long-standing history.
Many states developed an initial nickname after they entered the union 100+ years ago, but not all state nicknames have stuck with each state over the years, and many have developed additional nicknames or primary nicknames that they identify with the most or that set them apart from other states. States take their nicknames from various sources so let’s take a look at North Dakotas nickname.
What is North Dakotas Nickname? It is “The Peace Garden State”.
The Peace Garden State is situated in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. It resides at the center of the United States to the very north, bordering Southern Canada, Minnesota from the East, Montana from the West, and South Dakota from the, you guessed it, South!
North Dakota’s nickname originates from the International Peace Garden which can be found on North Dakota’s border with Manitoba, Canada. The peace gardens formation occurred on July 14, 1932. The nickname was made official by the North Dakota Legislature in 1957.
If you are interested in seeing the US state nicknames for all 50 states, including the date each state was entered into the Union, then head over to our page that lists them in alphabetical order.
North Dakota State Nickname
Much like many other states, North Dakota has adopted multiple nicknames over the years, not just one. Although the North Dakota state nickname, “The Peace Garden State” is the official nickname, there are many other versions of North Dakotas nicknames used to associate with the state, let’s take a look.
- Land of the Dakotas – this nickname references the Dakota tribes of North Dakota that have been residing in the state for hundreds of years. The Dakotas are also called Sioux.
- The Sioux State – much like North Dakota’s nickname “Land of Dakotas”, this nickname is again referencing the ancient tribe of the Dakotas, this time using the alternate name this tribe adopted over the years.
- The Roughrider State – this nickname was adopted as a promotion for tourism purposes back in the 1960s and the 1970s. It is referring to Theodore Roosevelt’s brief cattle ranching business endeavor within North Dakota. Whilst on a buffalo hunting trip to the North Dakota Badlands in 1883, he was encouraged to purchase the Maltese Cross Ranch. After the tragedy of the deaths of his mother and wife on the same day in 1894, Roosevelt came back to North Dakota to seek peace and tranquility. After the dust had settled, Roosevelt purchased another piece of land, located north of Medora, he proceeded to name this the Elkhorn Ranch. The last time he visited the Elkhorn ranch was reportedly in 1892 and by 1989 he had sold all of his lands.
- The Flickertail State – this addition to the North Dakota state nickname references the Richardson Ground Squirrel, a colonial species found east of the Missouri river in North Dakota.
- The Great Central State – North Dakota is referred to as “The Great Central State” due to its geographical location as it is situated in the center of the great western “Wheat Belt”.
Despite not having the nickname – the Sunflower State, there are many reasons why North Dakota should possess this nickname! Learn more about this on our North Dakota state facts page.
North Dakota State Motto
Now that you are familiar with the North Dakota state nickname, it makes sense to know what the North Dakota state motto is All states have a unique state motto/slogan, usually derived from an event linked with the state’s historical past, mottos tend to be given to the state as a representation of the people, both past and present.
“Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable” is the North Dakota state motto. This phrase states the belief of the people of North Dakota past and present. Referring to the freedom of the nation, which cannot be divided despite adversity.
If you are interested in learning about the North Dakota state abbreviation, make sure to check out our page dedicated to this. Unlike some other states, the North Dakota abbreviation is easier to learn and memorize. However, knowing these state abbreviations is highly recommended for a multitude of different reasons.
