Every State Nickname Explained

Illinois has been The Prairie state for more than 175 years, but since 1955, the state's official nickname has been the Land of Lincoln. Per the Journal Star, Lincoln's early political career was devoted to representing the people of Illinois.

In the 1800s, however, Illinois was called The Sucker State. As noted by the Illinois Times, there are different explanations for this, including the practice of prairie-dwellers using long straws to suck water up out of deep watering holes. It may also have begun as a derogatory term for Illinois workers and migrants, comparing them to a species of migrating fish, as well as to sprouts that grow around tobacco plants. Known as "suckers," these sprouts, if not removed, will drain the plant of its resources.

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