5 most popular US states and how they got their nicknames

The United States of America, stretching more than 3,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, is composed of 50 states, each with its own state capital, customs and history. But among all the 50 states there are a few that are more popular for its amenities, attractions and history. However, what most people don't know is that each of these states has a nickname. A second name that represents what the state is mostly known for. 

California           

California is a state in the Southwestern United States with a total area of about 423,970 square kilometres. It also has 39.6 million residents across the state. 

California is called the "Golden State", and the reason for it is quite self-explanatory. The region saw rapid growth after gold was discovered in the state in 1848, which also led to the states official colour to be gold as well, gold is also the official mineral of the state as well. 

Another reason for it to be called the "Golden State" is due to its golden poppies, which bloom beautifully every spring in wild fields all over the state, Back in 1903, this flower became the official flower of the republic, and it is also referred to as the flame flower, copa de oro and la amapola (which translates to 'cup of gold'). 

Aside from its poppies, state colour and mineral gold, California got its famous nickname for its beautiful landmark, the "Golden State Bridge". Established in the 1930s, it is one of the most sought-after travel destinations for people who visit California and want to see its many attractions, and it is a large red bridge that runs over the Golden Gate Strait. 

New York

The New York State, located in the Mid-Atlantic region, is one of the original thirteen colonies that created the United States was New York.

New York's culture, customs, and natural beauty made it a great state, but its success came after it developed itself as a cultural mecca and economic powerhouse. Its success also comes from its focus on its ports' growth and trade activities, its vibrant immigrant past, and the birth of the US stock exchange. Which is why New Work is called the "Empire States".

From culture, career to popular attraction New York State offers everything. The Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty and its most popular attraction of all the "New York City". The state is also called the "Excelsior State", due to its motto "Excelsior", which means "ever upward".

Florida

Florida, located in the United States' south-eastern region with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other has quite a few nicknames. The most popular nickname for the state is "The Sunshine State" due to the abundant sunshine cast over the state, which results in warm weather; something quite hard to find. The beaches of Florida attract thousands of tourists as most of the state has a subtropical climate. 

Florida is also called "The Alligator State" for its sheer number of alligators that lived in the swamp. And, it is also called "The Peninsula State". 

Texas

Texas is called the "Lone Star State", a nickname that pays homage to the flag of the Lone Star, which was adopted in 1836 after Texas became independent from Mexico. For ten years before embracing annexation to the United States, Texas was an independent republic, and the flag represents the independence and lone wolf aura part of the Texas way of life. This nickname became the state's official nickname in 2015.

Texas is also called "The Beef State" for its cattle ranching and beef production, which is a major economically successful industry. Another nickname for Texas is "The Blizzard State",  similar to South Dakota for its frequent wind storms. 

Hawaii 

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states of the US, for its lush greenery, mountains and volcanos. The state is called "The Aloha State". Here "Aloha" implies to mutual love and affection, and extends comfort by loving with no responsibility in return. "Aloha" is the nature of relationships in which each person is essential to the mutual life of every other person.

Hawaii, situated in the Pacific Ocean, is the 50th and newest state of the United States of America. Outside North America, it is the only US territory, the only island state, and the only state in the tropics