The term "Grand Canyon State" for Arizona refers to the magnificent Grand Canyon in the state's northern half, which is one of the world's natural marvels. The term "Copper State" also honors the state's incredible mineral richness. Both terms were coined by early pioneers who saw immense beauty and potential for growth in the Western territory. After the American Civil War, veterans returned home to find much of the country still torn up from the war. In an effort to promote development in these areas, people began using the names "Grand Army State" or "Grand Ohio" to describe their respective states. By the late 1800's, these names were being used widely enough that the government had to make an official declaration of what they meant. In 1951, President Truman officially named Arizona "The Grand Canyon State." The other states included in this designation are Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. People tend to think of Nevada as the grandest state name because of its capital city, Las Vegas. But before it was called Las Vegas, it was known as Nevada City. And before that, it was just a bunch of desert islands. California was not even part of the United States when it received its original name from the Spanish.