Chief Black Hawk was a renowned warrior and leader of the Sauk Native American tribe. He was known for his bravery, strength, and wisdom. During the Black Hawk War of 1832, Chief Black Hawk led his people in an attempt to reclaim their ancestral lands in Iowa and Illinois.
According to the legend, during a battle, Chief Black Hawk was shot and severely injured. He was carried to a nearby river to wash his wounds. As he was being washed, he noticed that a hawk was flying overhead. The hawk swooped down low, almost touching the water, and then soared back up. Chief Black Hawk took this as a sign of good fortune, believing the hawk was a symbol of his survival and the resilience of his people.
From that moment, Chief Black Hawk became known as "Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak," which translates to "Black Hawk, the one who was saved by a diving hawk." The story spread among the Native American tribes and eventually became a popular tale throughout Iowa.
As Iowa gained recognition and status as a state, the legend of Chief Black Hawk and the diving hawk became associated with the state. In 1846, the Iowa Legislature officially adopted the nickname "Hawkeye State" to honor Chief Black Hawk and his people's bravery, strength, and connection to the land.
Over time, the nickname "Hawkeye" became synonymous with the people of Iowa, representing their determination, resilience, and commitment to their home state.
