The Origin and Meaning of the North Dakota Nicknames The American citizens who live in, or who come from North Dakota, are referred to as North Dakotans. The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows: The Peace Garden State The official nickname of the Peace Garden State is dedicated to peace alludes to the commemoration of the International Peace Garden on North Dakota's border with Manitoba, Canada - the world’s longest unfortified border. The International Peace Garden was dedicated on July 14, 1932. The Flickertail State The Flickertail nickname relates to the cute Richardson Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) that cheerfully flicks its tail whilst running and just before entering its borrow. The Rough Rider State The Rough Riders were members of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry regiment in the Spanish-American War who were organized and led by Theodore Roosevelt. Rough Riders are also a term used to describe skilled riders who break untrained horses. The Land of the Dakotas" or "The Sioux State" The Land of the Dakotas" or "The Sioux State" is a direct reference to the tribes of Native American Indians who inhabited the area who were also referred to as the Lakota or Dakota Sioux. The names of a famous Sioux leaders were Red Cloud, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. |