The eastern redbud is Oklahoma’s state tree, known for its pinkish-red flowers that bloom in spring. Its adoption was controversial due to its association with Judas Iscariot, but was eventually established as a different species. The tree is also found in other parts of the US and has edible parts. Native Americans used it for […]
Louisiana’s state motto, “Union, Justice, Confidence,” was adopted in 1902. Its origin is unknown, but it reflects the unity and belief in justice of Louisiana residents. The state seal and flag feature the brown pelican, a symbol dating back to the state’s first governor, William CC Claiborne. Governor Heard is credited with choosing the pelican […]
Tennessee is known as the country music capital of the United States, with Nashville being called “Music City”. The state has five official state songs, including “My Homeland Tennessee” and “Rocky Top”. Pending legislation may add three more. Music has always been an important part of the culture of the US state of Tennessee. The […]
State superintendents oversee the administration of state education systems, with responsibilities varying between states. They serve a four-year term and focus on creating and implementing educational standards, improving student achievement, and ensuring equity and access. They also serve as spokespersons for public schools, adhere to relevant legislation, fundraise, and address issues such as school safety […]
New Jersey’s unofficial state motto is “Liberty and Prosperity” and is featured on the state seal and flag. The state has several unofficial nicknames, including “The Garden State” and “The Switzerland of America.” New Jersey also has various state symbols, including the horse, eastern goldfinch, knobby whelk, brook trout, blueberry, purple violet, and red oak. […]
The Sitka spruce is Alaska’s state tree, but it cannot represent the state in the Grove of State Trees in Washington, DC due to its unsuitable climate. The Alaska cedar has replaced it in the grove. The Sitka spruce is the tallest spruce in the world and its wood is used in various industries. It […]
The Oklahoma hybrid tea rose, developed at the University of Oklahoma, was named the state flower in 2004, replacing mistletoe and Indian blanket. The rose has a strong fragrance and bears dark red flowers with 45-50 petals. It is disease-resistant and grows best in cooler, drier areas. The state flower of Oklahoma is the ‘Oklahoma’ […]
Oregon’s state motto, “She flies on her wings,” was written by Judge Quinn Thornton in 1854 and was replaced with “The Union” in 1957. It was changed back to the original motto in 1987. The state seal features the previous motto and symbolic images, while the state flag is double-sided with a representation of the […]
New Jersey has no official state song, despite attempts to create one. The unofficial state song is “I’m From New Jersey” by Red Mascara, which almost became official in 1972 but was vetoed by the governor. Mascara wrote the song to express his pride in the state and it describes New Jersey’s history, landmarks, and […]
Michigan’s state motto is “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice”, meaning “if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you”. It was chosen in 1835 and appears on the state coat of arms and Great Seal of the State of Michigan. The coat of arms features a man on a shoreline, the words “Tuebor”, and a […]
The Pennsylvania state seal, used to ensure authenticity, features a shield with symbols including a ship, plow, and olive branches on the front, and a symbolic representation of freedom over tyranny on the reverse. The artwork is intricate, and the seal is often confused with the coat of arms. The Pennsylvania state seal is the […]
Georgia’s state seal has two sides, with “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation” on one and “Agriculture and Commerce” on the other. The former is considered the state motto and represents the three branches of government, while the latter is often mistaken as a motto but is actually just a proclamation. The seal has remained unchanged since 1799, […]
North Carolina’s nickname, “Tar Heel State,” comes from the state’s production of tar for naval vessels from 1720 to 1870. The state’s abundant pine forests provided pitch, which was collected and sold to the English navy. Before the American Revolutionary War, North Carolina supplied much of the naval tar needed by British shipping. Other legends […]
Oklahoma’s state motto, “Labor Omnia Vincit”, meaning “Labour Conquers all Things”, was inspired by Roman poet Virgil’s “Labor omina uicit improbus”. The state seal features five Indian tribe seals and 45 stars, while the flag has an Osage warrior’s shield. The state’s official game bird is the wild turkey, and the official butterfly is the […]
The state flower of Maine is the cone and tassel of the eastern white pine, chosen through a public vote in 1895. The eastern white pine is also the state tree and an important part of the lumber industry. It grows in the eastern forests of North America and provides food and nesting spaces for […]
Minnesota’s nickname is the “North Star State,” with the French translation “L’Etoile du Nord” appearing on the state seal and flag. Minnesota is the only US state with a French motto, possibly in honor of early French settlers. The state became the 32nd to join the US in 1858, and its seal and flag feature […]
Florida’s official nickname is The Sunshine State, referring to its abundant sunshine and tourism industry. Other unofficial nicknames include The Peninsula State, The Everglades State, The Orange State, The Flower State, The Alligator State, and The Gulf State. The state flag features the motto “In God We Trust” and the state seal includes a drawing […]
North Carolina’s state tree is the pine, with no specific species designated due to the presence of eight native species. Pine played a vital role in the state’s history and continues to provide lumber for construction. The state also has an official Christmas tree and designated state flower, wildflower, vegetable, and carnivorous plant. North Carolina […]
Mississippi’s state motto is Virtute et Armis, meaning “of valor and weapons”. It has been part of the official coat of arms since 1894 and is a common practice to incorporate Latin phrases on government bodies and institutions. Virtute refers to positive traits essential to manhood, such as strength and fortitude. Mississippi’s state motto is […]
Hawaii has official state animals, including the monk seal, humpback whale, Kamehameha butterfly, Hawaiian goose, and rectangular triggerfish. The monk seal is endangered, while the humpback whale can weigh up to 79,000 pounds. The Kamehameha butterfly has multi-colored wings, the Hawaiian goose has large feet and a long neck, and the rectangular triggerfish has bold […]
