American students learned the basics of the state they call home in elementary school – its capital, Senators, state animal and flag. Each state boasts unique symbols based on its history and ...

The state further solidified its nickname during the Mexican-American War of 1846, when President James K. Polk called for 2,600 volunteers and a staggering 30,000 Tennesseans responded.

His nickname spread, and by the mid-1800s, writers were referring to residents of Ohio as Buckeyes. Ohio State has been known as the Buckeyes since 1919. The school adopted the name in 1950 ...