The States #2

So, as promised the next post with 10 new states! Click here to read the first post where I tell you something about the states Alabama until Georgia. In each post I'll describe 10 states because I'd like to know something more about them. There's much to tell about each state so there must be some important things I don't mention. Just leave a comment if you can add something interesting!
And no, I still don't know where I'm going next year! But there's a big chance I'll hear it soon, so stay tuned :)

Hawaii - The Aloha State
Yes, this is really an American state! It's the 50th and most recent state to join the US which happened in 1959. It's the only state located in Oceania and its made up entirely of islands. Hawaii has diverse natural scenery, a warm tropical climate and many beaches and volcanoes. It is strongly influenced by North American and Asian cultures. The capital of Hawaii is Honolulu!

Idaho - The Gem State
Idaho is a mountain state and borders Canada in the north. Idaho's nickname is 'Gem State' because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found there. It is the 13th largest state in de US and a big producer of Potatoes!

Illinois - Prairie State
Illinois is probably best known for Chicago which is regarded as the cultural heart of America. Many people say that Illinois characterizes the most authentic American experience with its friendly people, charming towns and route 66. Three US presidents have been elected while living in Illinois and the state will always be the Land Of Lincoln, because he spent the majority of his life in Illinois.

Indiana - The Hoosier State
Indiana lies on the right of Illinois and its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Before it became a territory, native Americans inhabited Indiana for thousands of years. The state's name means 'Land of the Indians' and also comes from Indiana's territorial history. A resident of Indiana is known as a Hoosier.

Iowa - The Hawkeye State
Iowa lies in a region sometimes called 'The American Heartland'. It is the only US state whose eastern and western borders are formed entirely by rivers: the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River on the west. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live.

Kansas - The Sunflower State
Kansas is also located in the Midwestern United States and is named after the Kansa Native American tribe which inhabited the area. The official state song is 'Home on the range', and indeed there are many ranches in Kansas! And there even are cowboys. And prairies. Awesome :)

Kentucky - The Bluegrass State
Kentucky is on the border of the northern and southern states and has more running water than any state in the nation besides Alaska. The state is known for its horse races andddd of course Kentucky Fried Chicken! The people of Kentucky are very friendly and proud of their state.

Louisiana - The Pelican State
Next to Texas and Mississippi in the South we have Louisiana! Before the American purchase in 1803 Louisiana has been both a French colony and a Spanish one. Because of that, the state is very multicultural and multilingual. Louisiana is know as the birthplace of jazz. A very funny fact is that the state is called after the French king Louis XIV also known as le Roi - Soleil. I've had many history lessons about him haha :)

Maine - The Pine Tree State
You can find Maine in the Northeastern region of the US: it's both the northernmost and easternmost state! Maine is known for its scenery: it has a jagged, rocky coastline, low, rolling mountains and many forests. The state is also known for its seafood, especially lobster and clams. Maine has many small fishing villages and lighthouses.

Maryland - The Old Line State
Maryland is one of the smallest states and is considered to be the birthplace of religious freedom in America. It has the highest median house income, making it the wealthiest state of the US. The largest city of Maryland is Baltimore. It is often called 'America in miniature' for its varied landscape.

Which states would you like to visit?

Source: Wikipedia