Official Symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each state or the entire United States (see our National Symbols).
Each state and region is also recognized by well-known icons
and emblems such as state flags and seals.
A Social Studies teacher describes how she and her 7th grade students championed the cowboy boot as a state symbol on the State Footwear of Texas page; or read how students in Anchorage, Alaska initiated the adoption of an official State Dog!
When did we begin adopting state symbols?
A "National Garland of Flowers" created for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair (made of representative flowers selected by each state) was the inspiration for adopting official state floral emblems. This began a trend that led to the adoption of official state birds, trees, and all the unique state symbols recognized today.