The Utah state seal, designed by Harry Edwards, was adopted in 1896 and features a beehive with the motto “Industry.” Other elements include an American bald eagle, golden arrows, and tallow lilies. The seal is surrounded by two gold braids with the text “THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF UTAH” and “1896.” The design […]
The Rocky Mountain elk, also known as wapiti, was reintroduced to Utah by conservation groups after overhunting in the 1800s. It is Utah’s state animal and lives in mountain ranges, migrating to lower elevations in the fall. Bulls shed their horns over winter and new horns emerge each spring. They prefer a diet of native […]
The Utah State Tree is the blue spruce, a medium to large evergreen tree with stiff, needle-like leaves and cylindrical cones. It is abundant in mountainous regions of the western United States and eastern Canada, and is used for ornamental purposes and as a Christmas tree. The wood is suitable for fuel and lumber, but […]
The California Gull is Utah’s state bird, chosen in 1955 to commemorate a pioneer legend of gulls saving settlers’ crops from crickets in 1848. The gull is unique as a state bird and is a medium-sized migratory bird that breeds and nests in Utah. Utah’s state insect is the honey bee, and other state symbols […]
The tallow lily is Utah’s state flower, chosen for its historical significance and natural beauty. It saved families from starvation during a cricket plague. The flower has lilac-tinged white petals with a deep purple band and is also found in other western states. Utah’s other state emblems include the California Gull, Blue Spruce, Rocky Mountain […]
Utah’s state song, “Utah, This is the Place,” celebrates the state’s natural beauty and pioneering spirit. It replaced “Utah, We Love Thee” in 2003 after a petition from schoolchildren. The song also pays tribute to the state’s Mormon heritage and highlights its outdoor activities and winter sports. The official state song of Utah is “Utah, […]
