The New Hampshire state flag features the state seal with nine stars and bay leaves on a dark blue background, representing the state’s support for the US after gaining independence. The seal depicts the USS Raleigh, built in New Hampshire, and was standardized in 1909. It was voted one of the ten worst flags in […]
“The Old North State” is North Carolina’s state song, adopted in 1927. The lyrics by William Gaston describe the state’s struggles and enduring spirit. The music has evolved over time, with the current version arranged by Mrs. EE Randolph in 1926. Gaston composed the lyrics in 1835 after hearing a melody from Swiss bell ringers. […]
Black-eyed Susan, a member of the sunflower family, is the state flower of Maryland despite controversy over its naming and not being native. It grows abundantly in Maryland and has medicinal uses. Black-eyed Susan, a member of the sunflower family, is the state flower of Maryland. It was adopted in 1918 by the Maryland General […]
The state fish of Hawaii is the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, a rectangular triggerfish found in the Pacific Ocean’s coral reefs. It was chosen by a poll in 2006, despite controversy over its non-native status. The fish is known for its unique appearance, behavior, and sound. The state fish of Hawaii is called Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, also known as the […]
Folsom State Prison, located in California, was the first prison in the world to have electricity. It was known for its harsh living conditions and maximum security. It has housed famous prisoners such as Charles Manson and Rick James. The prison offers vocational and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Johnny Cash performed two concerts at the […]
The loblolly pine is the specific pine of particular worship in Arkansas, where it is the official state tree. It grows rapidly and is used in replanting and forest control efforts. Three other types of pine are also found in Arkansas. The pine is recognized as an official tree in several other states. The pine, […]
The Tennessee State Seal represents the importance of agriculture and the Tennessee River’s contribution to commerce. The upper part symbolizes agriculture, while the lower part represents trade across the river. The seal has undergone minor updates since its creation in 1796. Agriculture and commerce are the state motto, and the Tennessee Valley Authority has helped […]
The state seal of Mississippi, adopted in the 18th century as the seal of the Mississippi Territory, depicts a bald eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on a shield. The design is based on the Great Seal of the United States and may have been influenced by European heraldry and the Dutch Republic. The […]
The white birch, also known as paper birch or canoe birch, is the state tree of New Hampshire. It has distinctive papery bark and heart-shaped leaves, and is an important food source for white-tailed deer and moose. It is one of the 12 most common trees in the state, which has nearly 5 million acres […]
The saguaro cactus flower is the state flower of Arizona, recognized in 1931. The saguaro cactus is the largest cactus in the US, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern US. The flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats. Damaging a saguaro cactus is illegal in Arizona. The state flower of Arizona is […]
State flowers represent a state in the US and are usually native or symbolize its history or economy. Some states have multiple flowers, and some are chosen to represent the character of the people or honor an individual. Women’s clubs have also lobbied for state flowers, and voting for state flowers helped inspire the women’s […]
The California poppy, also known as the golden poppy, is the state flower of California. It is native to California and Mexico but has been found growing wild in other countries. It prefers desert habitats and is used for medicinal purposes by native peoples and modern herbalists. California’s state flower is the California poppy, also […]
Florida has two state fish: the freshwater Florida largemouth bass and the saltwater Atlantic sailfish. Largemouth bass live in warm, still waters and can grow up to 3 feet long. Atlantic sailfish are popular with anglers and can grow up to 11 feet long, with a striking appearance and the ability to swim up to […]
The Indiana state seal has been in use since it was a territory, but a standardized description was not put into law until 1963. The seal has been criticized for not accurately representing the state’s geography, and proposals were made in 2004 and 2005 to change the setting sun to a rising sun. The seal’s […]
Alabama’s state bird is the yellow hammerhead woodpecker, also known as the flicker. It was chosen because of the yellow embellishments on the uniforms of the Yellowhammer Company during the Civil War. The bird is mostly brownish gray with yellow feathers and black bars on its body. It prefers foraging on the ground and eats […]
The Virginia state flag was adopted in 1861 during the Civil War and features the state coat of arms and Virginia creeper. The Commonwealth seal is also included, with a woman representing virtue. Minor changes have been made over time, including the addition of a white fringe and a Virginia creeper wreath. The history of […]
The tulip poplar is the official state tree of Kentucky, chosen in 1956 but not written into law until 1994 due to a clerical error. It has historical significance in the state, with early settlers using the wood for building and shelter during skirmishes. Debate arose in 1973 over whether the Kentucky coffee tree should […]
The bitter root, Lewisia rediviva, is Montana’s state flower. It has pink and purple flowers, and was chosen for its beauty and history as a food source. Mary Long Alderson led the campaign to choose it, and it grows in rocky areas across the western US. It flowers in early spring and was a food […]
The Mayflower, also known as the trailing strawberry tree, ground laurel, or winter rose, is the state flower of Massachusetts. It is a low-growing shrub with pink or white fragrant flowers that prefers sandy or rocky soil. The Massachusetts Board of Education allowed school children to vote on the state flower, and the Mayflower won […]
South Carolina has two state flowers: yellow jasmine and goldenrod. Yellow jasmine was chosen for its history, early blooming, and pleasant scent. It has evergreen vines with yellow funnel-shaped flowers, but is also poisonous if ingested. South Carolina has two official state flowers. The official state flower of South Carolina is the yellow jasmine, which […]
