The mountain bluebird, Idaho’s state bird, is a common songbird found in western North America, primarily in the Rocky Mountains. They feed on insects and berries, and nest in aspen, pinyon, and spruce trees. The male helps with the nest, and they are often found on open ranches and forests. Idaho’s state bird is the […]
Maine’s state motto is “Dirigo,” meaning “I lead” or “direct.” It was officially adopted in 1820 and is complemented by a symbolic depiction on the state seal. The seal features a moose, a pine tree, water, woodland, a farmer, and a sailor. The state flag has a plain blue background with the state seal in […]
The northern cardinal is the state bird of Illinois and six other eastern US states due to its abundance and recognizable bright red coloration. It was chosen by schoolchildren in a contest and adopted in 1929. Cardinals can be found in various habitats, including backyards, and are known to frequent bird feeders. Male cardinals are […]
The North American beaver, known as Castor Canadensis, is the state animal of Oregon. It was adopted in 1969, and now features on the back of the state flag. Oregon is nicknamed the “Beaver State” and its athletic teams are called the “Beavers.” The beaver’s adoption was delayed due to dwindling numbers caused by extensive […]
New Hampshire is known as the “granite state” due to its abundance of granite. The state has two types of granite, Conway and Concord, which are named after cities within the state. The largest quarry in New Hampshire is operated by the Swenson family. The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural sculpture on Profile […]
Ohio is known as the “Buckeye State” due to the prevalence of the buckeye tree and its seeds during colonial times. The Indian word for buckeye nut, hetuk, was once applied to an early pioneer, adding to the symbolic weight of the name. The nickname gained national attention when presidential candidate William Henry Harrison used […]
The Colorado state motto, Nil Sine Numine, means “Nothing without divinity” and appears on the state seal. The seal also features a shield and crests of the governor and secretary who designed it. The state flag has changed over time. Colorado has unofficial mottos such as “Centennial State” and “The Highest State.” The state animal […]
48 US states have state songs or anthems, some with multiple songs. New York’s state song, “I Love New York,” was written by Steve Karmen as part of a successful tourism advertising campaign in 1977. The song has had a significant impact on popular culture. Forty-eight U.S. states have one or more state songs or […]
South Dakota is known as the Mount Rushmore State due to the presence of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The massive memorial to four American presidents, completed in 1941, quickly became an icon of American culture and patriotism. The state officially adopted the nickname in 1983, and the state flag was changed in 1993 to […]
North Carolina’s state motto “Esse quam videri” means “To be, rather than to seem.” It was adopted in 1893 and comes from a statement by Cicero. North Carolina was the last of the original thirteen states to adopt a motto. Other state symbols include the gray squirrel, the flag, and the state song “The Old […]
Pennsylvania’s state tree is the Eastern Hemlock, which is an evergreen conifer found throughout the state. It was chosen for its beauty, prevalence, and historical significance. The tree was heavily used for lumber and tanning in the past, but conservation efforts have helped restore it. Unfortunately, the hemlock woolly adelgid has led to the destruction […]
Arkansas is called “The Natural State” due to its protected wildlife areas, wetlands, and rivers. It is a leader in catfish sales, rice production, and diamond mining. The state has several groups in place to conserve its natural resources. Arkansas is called “The Natural State” because it has vast wilderness areas, natural resources and diverse […]
Hawaii Ponoi is the state song of Hawaii, written by King David Kalakaua. It tells the story of King Kamehameha, the first monarch to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It was the national anthem of Hawaii when it was an independent republic and is still sung at events. The song is about loyalty to King Kamehameha […]
Republican Senator Joseph J. Carraro attempted to change New Mexico’s state motto, Crescit Eundo, to “Respect the past and embrace the future,” but the measure failed. The current motto, meaning “It grows as it goes,” comes from a poem by Lucretius. The state flag features a red sun with many rays, representing New Mexico’s Spanish […]
Ohio’s state motto has been “With God All Things Are Possible” since 1959, suggested by a sixth-grader. The American Civil Liberties Union challenged its use in 1997, but the United States District Court ruled in favor of the state. The previous motto, Imperium in Imperior, was abolished in 1865 after just two years due to […]
Wyoming is known as “The Cowboy State” due to its many ranches and the adoption of a cowboy on a bucking horse as a symbol. The state’s history with cattle and sheep led to the proliferation of cowboys and ranches. Wyoming is also called “The Equality State” for being the first state to grant women […]
State public policy in federal systems delegates powers to federal and state governments, with areas such as transportation, law enforcement, education, and healthcare commonly addressed. State policies must integrate with federal initiatives, with funding coming from state taxes and other sources. Education policy is complex, with different levels of jurisdiction and funding responsibilities. States must […]
Colorado is known as the Centennial State because it became a state in 1876, the same year as the US centennial celebration. It was the only state admitted that year and was previously denied statehood. Its official nickname was voted by the legislature and is used on official documents. Other common nicknames include Colorful Colorado, […]
Each US state has symbols representing their natural resources and cultural heritage, including flags, flowers, birds, seals, and animals. Many states have adopted an official state bug, with the bee being the most popular. Monarch butterflies and ladybugs are also popular, and some states have multiple insect categories. Delaware is the only state with a […]
State treasuries oversee a state’s economy and raise funds for public services, but do not collect taxes. The state treasurer is responsible for managing the budget and investing in profitable options. State treasuries provide funding for public services and offer tax-free funding to organizations and individuals. In the United States of America, a state treasury […]
