Iowa Flag 
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The Iowa State Motto
The Iowa motto was adopted in 1847: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" The Meaning of the Iowa State Motto
Iowa was originally a territory of Wisconsin west of the Mississippi River. The meaning of this famous motto reflects the early struggle of the inhabitants to obtain recognition and statehood. The motto also reflects the aspirations of American during history of the War of Independence (1775–1783) and the part Iowa would play in the American Civil War (1861 - 1865). | "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" |
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The Origin and Meaning of the Iowa Nicknames
The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows:Hawkeye State
The official nickname Hawkeye has a double meaning. The highly popular book the 'Last of the Mohicans' written by James Fenimore Cooper was published in 1826. The story is set in 1757, during the French and Indian War (the Seven Years' War), the hero of the novel is a scout called Hawkeye. The Black Hawk War was fought in 1832 and the nickname "Hawk-eyes" was attributed to Chief Black Hawk, a Sauk leader. The Hawkeye motto is therefore interpreted as a dedication to two brave warriors - the fictional scout Hawkeye and the Chief Black Hawk. The Land Where the Tall Corn Grows
The 'Land Where the Tall Corn Grows' alludes to the lucrative corn crops grown in the area. Much of the corn is used for livestock feed, but corn is also used for ethanol (a fuel additive), plastics and of course as a popular food. Land of the Rolling Prairie
The 'Land of the Rolling Prairie' refers to the prairie grasses that one covered the lands. Prairies consist of vast areas of flat or rolling grassland that are predominantly without trees, typically found in the plains of central America. |
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The Constitution of Iowa
The constitution of Iowa establishes the basic rights of its citizens and echoes the words and sentiments of the motto. The preamble (opening) of the constitution is as follows: "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IOWA, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government,
by the name of the State of Iowa..."
Preamble of the Constitution of Iowa | |
Iowa State Motto and Nickname for Kids
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