Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which U.S. state is known as "The Hawkeye State"?"
...The Hawkeye State is a popular nickname for the state of Iowa. Adopted early in the state's history, "The Hawkeye State" is a tribute to chief Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk American Indian tribe. According to the state's tourism web site, "Two Iowa promoters from Burlington are believed to have popularized the name." The nickname was given approval by territorial officials in 1838, eight years before Iowa became a state. The University of Iowa's athletic teams are nicknamed the Hawkeyes and feature a mascot named Herky the Hawk.