How Did Iowa Hawkeyes Get Their Name?
The Origin of the Name
The University of Iowa's athletic teams are known as the Hawkeyes, a name borrowed from the state of Iowa itself. The term "Hawkeye" was initially a character in the novel "The Last of the Mohicans," penned by James Fenimore Cooper.
From Fiction to Reality
In 1838, twelve years after the novel was published, the territory of Iowa adopted the nickname. This was largely due to the efforts of Judge David Rorer of Burlington and James G. Edwards of Fort Madison.
The Birth of Herky the Hawk
The Hawkeye nickname gained a tangible symbol in 1948 with the creation of Herky the Hawk. Richard Spencer III, an instructor of journalism, was the creative mind behind Herky.
Herky's Evolution
Since his inception, Herky has become a familiar figure at intercollegiate athletic events and has even served as the insignia of the 124th Fighting Squadron during the Korean War.
