Hawaii was a British protectorate in the 18th century, but King Kamehameha united the islands and had both British and American flags flown. He later created a hybrid flag, which resembles both the Union Jack and the flag of the British East India Company. In the early 18th century, Hawaii was technically a kingdom. The […]
The Arkansas state flag was designed in 1913 by Willie Hocker, featuring a white diamond on a red background with blue stars. The design was later changed to include the state name and an additional blue star to represent Arkansas’ time in the Confederate States of America. The colors red, white, and blue symbolize the […]
North Carolina had an official seal since 1633, with most created under the direction of the King of England. The state seal features Liberty and Plenty, added in 1778, and was modified in 1983 to include important dates and the state motto. North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies of the United States, […]
Mississippi’s state flag has a complex history, including secession from the Union, Reconstruction, and a recent vote to change the design. The original flag featured a magnolia tree and a red bar, while later versions included a Confederate battle flag. In 2001, a vote was held to change the design, but the majority chose to […]
The yucca plant was named the state flower of New Mexico in 1927, but lawmakers did not specify which species. Yucca elata or Yucca glauca are believed to be the intended species. Yucca plants have been used for soap, fiber for baskets and mats, and as an edible source of nutrition. The unique pollination system […]
The state seal of Colorado is based on the Territorial Seal of Colorado, with the title and date changed. It features symbols of God, government, and Colorado’s mountains and mining industry, with the state motto “Nil Sine Numine.” The design was created by Lewis Leyward Weld and Governor William Gilpin, who studied medieval heraldry. The […]
The Washington state flower is the coastal rhododendron, which is an evergreen shrub with pale pink bell-shaped flowers and leathery leaves. It grows up to 26 feet and prefers moist, acidic soil. The plant is low maintenance but poisonous if ingested. It was voted as the state flower in 1892 and is protected by the […]
The state tree of Minnesota is the Norway pine, also known as red pine. It is called “Norwegian pine” due to its resemblance to trees in Norway and historical significance to the state. It is commonly used for lumber and resistant to disease and pests. Norway pine, or red pine, is the state tree of […]
“Texas, Our Texas” is the state song of Texas, written by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. It won a statewide competition in the late 1920s and was officially adopted in 1929. The lyrics reflect Texas’ pride in its independence, loyalty, purity, and courage. The Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto are referenced […]
New Jersey’s flag features “buff” and “Jersey blue” colors chosen by George Washington for the state’s Revolutionary War troops. The state seal on the flag includes symbols representing its history, including a horse, the official state animal. Other state symbols include the blueberry, violet, goldfinch, brook trout, and conch. New Jersey takes pride in its […]
The wild prairie rose is North Dakota’s state flower, shared with Iowa. It was adopted in 1907 and is estimated to be over 35 million years old. The prairie rose is edible and has medicinal properties, and is found throughout central North America. The state flower of North Dakota is the wild prairie rose. Designated […]
The California state flag was designed in 1846 during the state’s battle to secede from Mexico. It features a brown bear, red star, and red stripe on a white background, and its symbolism includes the state’s fight for independence and support from the United States. The flag became the state’s official flag in 1911 and […]
The roadrunner, also known as the chaparral bird, is the state bird of New Mexico due to its historical association with the state and magical powers believed by Southwestern American Indian groups. They are large, low-flying terrestrial birds with distinctive long legs and tails, and their courtship behavior involves foot pursuit and offering food. In […]
Fossils are impressions of ancient plants or animals in rock formations. Many US states have selected a state fossil to represent their unique prehistoric history. Fossils can be chosen for their prevalence, uniqueness, or to show how animals have evolved. Examples include the giant beaver in Minnesota, the saber-toothed cat in California, and the sea […]
The Carolina wren is the state bird of South Carolina, known for its small size, preference for warm climates, and insect-based diet. They mate for life and build nests in bushes or trees. The female lays 3-7 eggs and the young birds fly at about two weeks old. The wren replaced the thrush as the […]
“Oregon My Oregon” was chosen as the state song in 1920 after a contest sponsored by the Society of Oregon Composers. Henry Murtagh wrote the music and John Andrew Buchanan wrote the lyrics, which were inspired by the state’s natural beauty and settlers. Murtagh wanted the song to be unique and not generic like other […]
The Virginia state seal, dating back to 1776, features classical symbols and the motto “sic semper tyrannis.” The front shows Virtus defeating a fallen tyrant, while the reverse depicts Libertas, Ceres, and Aeternitas. The seal’s nudity has caused minor controversy. The state seal of Virginia is one of the oldest state symbols in the United […]
Oregon had two previous seals, designed to be politically neutral due to a border dispute with Great Britain. The state’s new seal, mandated by the constitution in 1857, had political symbolism, including a moose, eagle, and images of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and a covered wagon. The seal also includes elements reflecting Oregon’s mining and […]
Alabama’s current state seal, approved in 1939, is the same as the one used when it became a state in 1819. During the Civil War, Alabama was part of the Confederacy and retired its state seal. The new seal featured the coat of arms of the United States and an eagle. Alabama was granted statehood […]
The Oklahoma state seal features five Indian tribes, with a central star showing a Caucasian and Native American shaking hands. The seal also includes state symbols such as the scissor-tailed flycatcher and the redbud tree. Oklahoma’s state seal focuses on the five Indian nations that inhabit the region. A large five-pointed star graces the center […]
