Official State Symbols
of All 50 U.S. States
Explore every official U.S. state symbol — flags, birds, flowers, trees, mottos, seals, nicknames, and 20+ more categories across all 50 states.
Browse State Symbols by Map
Choose any tile to explore its state's flags, birds, flowers, trees, mottos, seals, and other official symbols.
Browse State Symbols by Category
50 states
Official state birds chosen to represent each state's wildlife and character.
50 states
Beautiful blooms selected as each state's official floral emblem.
50 states
Trees that symbolize the natural heritage and forests of each state.
50 states
Unique flags that showcase state history, identity, and pride.
50 states
Inspiring words and phrases that capture each state's values and spirit.
50 states
Explore the official great seals of all 50 U.S. states — the primary emblems used on government documents, flags, and official acts.
50 states
Explore official state coats of arms and related heraldic emblems used by U.S. states.
18 states
Explore official state sports and heritage sporting traditions recognized by U.S. states.
Browse State Symbols by State
Popular State Guides & Collections
Compare costs, income, housing, safety, schools, healthcare, climate, and quality of life across all 50 states.
Browse Living GuidesSet your priorities for affordability, jobs, schools, safety, climate, and more to find the states that fit you best.
Find Your StateWeight housing, income, jobs, education, and health to find counties that fit your priorities.
Find a CountyExplore transparent rankings for affordability, household income, employment, education, and health.
Browse RankingsAll 62 U.S. national parks — maps, best hikes, entrance fees, when to visit, and how to get reservations.
Explore ParksAll 50 U.S. state abbreviations in one table, plus capitals, regions, and common code mix-ups.
View AbbreviationsWhat borders each state? Neighbors, coastlines, rivers, and waterways for all 50 states.
Explore BordersCompare all 50 states by population, land area, statehood date, and more.
View RankingsThemed lists — states sharing the same bird, oldest symbols, flags with bears, and more.
Browse CollectionsSide-by-side comparison of population, area, income, taxes, climate, and more.
Compare NowTop 20 most common surnames per state — with origins, meanings, and heritage context. Is yours on the list?
Explore Last Names
State Symbol
Illinois
The Prairie State
Refers to the vast, flat, and wildly expansive grasslands that greeted early American settlers.
The Northern Cardinal is the most popular state bird, chosen by seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Explore State BirdsThe Story Behind U.S. State Symbols
What Are Official State Symbols?
Every U.S. state has a set of official symbols — emblems designated by the state legislature to represent its history, landscape, culture, and people. The most familiar are state flags, birds, and flowers, but most states recognize dozens more: trees, mottos, seals, mammals, fossils, minerals, songs, and dances. That official status makes them a unique lens into each state’s priorities and identity.
When Did the U.S. Begin Adopting State Symbols?
The trend began at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, where a "National Garland of Flowers" represented each state. That event inspired a wave of official designations — Kentucky named the Cardinal as its state bird in 1926, and most states adopted their birds, flowers, and trees throughout the 1920s–1940s. The practice never stopped: states today continue adding new categories, from state dinosaurs to state beverages.
How Is a State Symbol Created?
Most state symbols begin with a citizen proposal — often from schoolchildren or a conservation group. A bill is introduced in the state legislature, hearings are held, and if passed, the governor signs it into law. A 7th-grade class in Texas championed the cowboy boot as state footwear. Students in Alaska pushed for the Alaskan Malamute. Third-graders in Alabama got the Red Hills salamander designated state amphibian. The people choose their symbols.
Explore U.S. State Symbols by State or Category
Browse every state’s official emblems, compare symbol categories across all 50 states, and discover the history behind each designation.