Pennsylvania’s state song, written by Ronnie Bonner and Eddie Khoury, was adopted on November 29, 1990. It mentions the state’s power, tradition, and battles for freedom, as well as God, the birthplace of the US, a keystone, and the US flag. The song consists of two verses and two choruses. Pennsylvania’s state song is called […]
The Empire State Building is a 102-story art deco skyscraper in Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by William Lamb and built by Starrett brothers and Eken. The building is primarily an office building but is also a popular tourist attraction with observation decks and exhibits. It was completed in 1931 and was the […]
The Ohio State Quarter was the 17th coin in the US Mint 50 States series, released in 2002 to honor Ohio’s history and attract coin collectors. The idea for the series dates back to 1993 and was officially launched in 1997. The Ohio design features an outline of the state, a Wright Brothers plane, and […]
The Louisiana state seal features a brown pelican, which was likely chosen by the first governor, William CC Claiborne. The design has gone through revisions, with the current version showing a female pelican with three chicks. The meaning behind the pelican tearing its breast open is unclear, but it may be related to a myth […]
The cabbage palm is the state tree of South Carolina and Florida. Its use in building the Sullivan’s Island fort during the Revolutionary War protected Charleston from cannonballs. The tree is not included in the National Grove of State Trees due to its need for warm weather. Native Americans used the tree for medicinal purposes […]
Santa Fe, New Mexico has the highest percentage of dirt roads among US state capitals, with approximately 75% of its roads unpaved. Approximately 430 miles of the city’s 574 miles of roadways are unpaved, which can be cheaper to maintain but more dangerous and produce dust. The US has an estimated 1.3 million miles of […]
The pecan tree was chosen as the state symbol of Texas in 1919 due to its historical and economic significance. The tree produces nuts and is native to Texas, but can also be found in other areas. Pecans can be harvested through various methods, but the slow-growing tree can take at least five years to […]
The official state song of Massachusetts is “All Hail to Massachusetts,” celebrating the state’s history and unique symbols like baked beans and the nickname “Bay State.” It was adopted in 1981, but other songs like “Massachusetts” by Arlo Guthrie have also been recognized by the legislature. The lyrics mention key battles in the Revolutionary War, […]
Rhode Island’s state flower is the common violet, specifically Viola palmata or Viola sororia. It was chosen by schoolchildren in 1897 but not officially adopted until 1968. The flower was introduced as a bill by Francis Sherman and passed in 1968. The flower is edible and can be found in different colors. Rhode Island’s state […]
“Alaska’s Flag” is the state song, written by Marie Drake and set to music by Elinor Dusenbury. It describes the blue skies and gold stars of the state flag, designed by Benny Benson. The song was adopted in 1955, four years before Alaska became a state. Alaska’s state song is titled “Alaska’s Flag,” which was […]
Arizona has two state songs: “The Arizona March Song” and “Arizona” or “I Love You Arizona.” Both songs celebrate the state’s natural beauty, with the former being a traditional marching song and the latter a sentimental ballad. State songs are played at important events to increase pride and bind residents to their state. Part of […]
New Hampshire has two state flowers: the purple lilac is the official cultivated state flower, while the pink lady’s slipper is the official wildflower. The lilac was chosen in 1919 for its representation of the state’s hardy character, while the lady’s slipper is a rare orchid that is protected as an endangered plant species. New […]
Tennessee has two state flowers: the iris, designated as the cultivated state flower in 1933, and the passion flower, adopted as the state’s wildflower in 1973. The passion flower was originally chosen by school children in 1919, but controversy arose when gardening club members argued for the iris. The passion flower is native to South […]
The yellow hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii, representing power and respect in traditional Hawaiian culture. Each island also has its own flower, with some locals advocating for their island to be recognized as a separate state. The state flower of Hawaii is the native yellow hibiscus. In the early 1920s, all hibiscus […]
Most US states have official symbols, including state fish, which are chosen by citizens and reflect the aquatic life commonly found in the area. The process varies, but once chosen, the state fish can be promoted for outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. Common state fish include trout and bass, with some states choosing unique species […]
In the 1930s, J. Roy Strickland wrote a column in the Evansville Courier asking for suggestions for Indiana’s state motto. The General Assembly chose “The Crossroads of America” due to Indiana’s significant transportation connections. It is also the state slogan and is featured on the state quarter and flag. Other official symbols include the cardinal, […]
“The Old Line” refers to Maryland soldiers who distinguished themselves in the Revolutionary War. The nickname developed into “The Old Line State” and honors the memory of their sacrifices. Maryland’s Old Line was highly disciplined and well-equipped, unlike many other colonies’ soldiers. The nickname’s origin is debated but is displayed on Maryland’s State Quarter. “The […]
“Here We Have Idaho” is the state song of Idaho, created by McKinley Helm, Albert J. Tompkins, and Alice Bessee by combining the instrumental score of “Garden of Paradise.” The song was originally known as “Our Idaho” and became the alma mater song of the University of Idaho before being adopted as the state song […]
The Western Meadowlark is the official state bird of Wyoming, known for its melodic song and yellow throat, breast, and belly. It lives in grasslands and rarely migrates during the winter. The male pursues two females during mating, and the female builds the nest on the ground. It is more likely to visit rural and […]
The Illinois state motto, “Sovereignty of the State, National Union,” had a powerful symbolic meaning during the Civil War. The issue of state sovereignty and federal power has been a major issue since America’s inception, and the Illinois state seal has undergone changes to reflect this. The motto’s wording caused controversy, and Illinois Secretary of […]
