Indiana State Nickname: The Hoosier State
Fact-checked • Updated December 10, 2025
"The Hoosier State"
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About the Nickname The Hoosier State
Indiana’s nickname is the Hoosier State. Residents of Indiana are commonly called Hoosiers, a term that has been used for nearly two centuries. The word appeared in print as early as 1826, but its exact origin remains unknown. Several theories attempt to explain how the name began, though none has been definitively proven. By the 1830s, Hoosier had become closely associated with Indiana and continues to appear in state government materials, tourism references, and sports team names.
Meaning of 'The Hoosier State'
What is Indiana nickname? The Hoosier State is the commonly accepted answer. But what does Hoosier actually mean? That question still puzzles historians today. The word first showed up in the Indianapolis Journal in 1826. A year later, poet John Finley published a poem called 'The Hoosier's Nest.' His writing made the term popular across Indiana and neighboring states.
Several theories try to explain where Hoosier came from. One idea suggests frontier settlers said 'Who's here?' when visitors knocked on cabin doors, and over time this phrase turned into Hoosier. Another theory connects the word to Samuel Hoosier, a contractor who preferred hiring Indiana workers. A third explanation links it to an old English word 'hoozer' meaning something large. None of these theories can be proven with documents from that time period.
How did Indiana get its nickname? People in Indiana simply started using Hoosier during the 1830s. The name spread quickly. By 1840, newspapers and books mentioned Hoosiers regularly when discussing Indiana residents. Nobody complained about the term. Indiana residents liked having a unique identity that made them different from people in Ohio or Illinois. While never formally adopted by the Indiana General Assembly, the nickname appears throughout state government materials and is recognized by the U.S. Government Publishing Office as the official demonym for Indiana residents.
Other Nicknames
Crossroads of America
Indiana made Crossroads of America an official state motto in 1937. This name refers to Indiana's location in the middle of the country. Major highways cross through the state connecting different regions. Interstate 65 runs north to south. Interstate 70 goes east to west. These roads meet near Indianapolis, creating a natural crossroads. The National Road, built during the early 1800s as one of America's first major highways, passed directly through Indiana. This central position helped businesses grow because goods moved through the state constantly. Today's license plates still display this motto.
The Hospitality State
Some promotional materials from the early 1900s called Indiana the Hospitality State. This nickname came from the idea that Indiana residents treated travelers and newcomers kindly. States competed for tourists and new settlers during this time, so business leaders wanted visitors to remember Indiana as friendly. Indiana's central location meant many people passed through on trips to other places. The nickname never became official. Most people outside Indiana probably never heard it. Historical records show the name existed briefly but faded away when other nicknames proved more popular.
Mother of Vice Presidents
Indiana earned this unusual nickname because five men from the state became vice president. Schuyler Colfax served from 1869 to 1873. Thomas Hendricks held office from March to November 1885 before dying. Charles Fairbanks served from 1905 to 1909. Thomas Marshall was vice president from 1913 to 1921. Dan Quayle served from 1989 to 1993. No other state has produced five vice presidents. The nickname shows Indiana's influence in national politics during the 1800s and 1900s, though people rarely use this name in everyday conversation.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 7
The word Hoosier first appeared in print in 1826 in the Indianapolis Journal newspaper.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Comprehensive list noting that Indiana has never officially adopted a state nickname despite widespread use of the Hoosier State
Official explanation from Indiana's government discussing various theories about the origin and meaning of the term Hoosier
Indiana government resource providing historical context for officially designated state symbols