Texas (The Lone Star State) was adopted as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. It was named “The Lone Star State” symbolizing the independent republic of Texas, and as a reminder of the state’s struggle for independence from Mexico. It is so large, that Congress gave it permission to…
Oklahoma was the 46th state admitted to the Union in November 16, 1907. It was nicknamed “The Sooner State” due to people illegally entering the district and laying claim to lands before the designated entry time. Oklahoma is the only place in the world that has an oil well beneath…
New Mexico was named the 47th state on January 6, 1912. It is known as “The Land of Enchantment” due to its scenic beauty and rich history. “Smoky the Bear”, the symbol of the U.S. National Forest Service was born in New Mexico. In 1950, he was found trapped in…
Arizona was named an official state of the U.S. on February 14, 1912 and is known as “The Grand Canyon State” which is one of the 7 wonders of the natural world. The canyon floor stretches 277 miles long. It is also the largest copper producer in the U.S. Here…
Wisconsin was named the 30th state on May 29, 1848. It is nicknamed “The Badger State” which originally referred to the lead miners of the 1830’s, who worked at the Galena lead minds in Illinois. The mines were in northwestern Illinois, close to the Wisconsin border. The miners lived in…
South Dakota was named the 40th state on November 2, 1889. It is known as “The Mount Rushmore State” because It is home to Mount Rushmore National Monument, located in Black Hills National Forest. The monument took 14 years and $1 million to complete. Here are some of…
Welcome to this week’s United States Road Trip lesson on Ohio! Ohio became the 17th state on March 1, 1803. It has been nicknamed “The Buckeye State” due to the dense forests of buckeye trees that were once found in the state. Cleveland, OH is the home of the Rock…
North Dakota became the 39th state on November 2, 1889. It is known as “The Peace Garden State” to commemorate the International Peace Garden on North Dakota’s border with Manitoba, Canada. The geographic center of the North American continent lies just south of Rugby, ND. From this point is approximately…
Welcome to our Road Trip USA week on Nebraska! Nebraska was named the 37th state on March 1, 1867. It is nicknamed “The Cornhusker State” in recognition of the University of Nebraska football team, the Cornhuskers. Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state. It also has more…
Welcome to our Road Trip USA week on Missouri! I can’t believe that we’re over half way done with the Mid-West region! Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821. It was nicknamed “The Show Me State”, possibly due to a speech made by U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver.…
