List of Virginia state symbols
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The Commonwealth of Virginia has a variety of official state symbols as designated by the Virginia General Assembly. These symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of the state.
State symbols[edit | edit source]
State flag[edit | edit source]
The Flag of Virginia consists of the state seal on a blue field. The seal depicts the Roman goddess Virtus standing over a defeated tyrant, symbolizing victory over oppression.
State seal[edit | edit source]
The Seal of Virginia features the same imagery as the state flag, with the motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus Always to Tyrants).
State bird[edit | edit source]
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was designated the state bird in 1950. It is known for its bright red plumage and distinctive crest.
State flower and tree[edit | edit source]
The American Dogwood (Cornus florida) serves as both the state flower and the state tree. It was adopted as the state flower in 1918 and the state tree in 1956.
State insect[edit | edit source]
The Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) was designated the state insect in 1991. This butterfly is known for its striking yellow and black coloration.
State fish[edit | edit source]
The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was named the state fish in 1993. It is native to the cold, clear streams of the Appalachian Mountains.
State bat[edit | edit source]
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) was designated the state bat in 2005. This bat is an endangered species found in the caves of western Virginia.
State dog[edit | edit source]
The American Foxhound was designated the state dog in 1966. This breed was developed in Virginia and is known for its hunting abilities.
State shell[edit | edit source]
The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) was named the state shell in 1974. It is a vital part of Virginia's coastal ecosystem and economy.
State beverage[edit | edit source]
Milk was designated the state beverage in 1982, recognizing its importance to Virginia's agricultural industry.
State dance[edit | edit source]
The Square dance was designated the state dance in 1991. It is a traditional American folk dance with roots in European dance forms.
State fossil[edit | edit source]
The Chesapecten jeffersonius was designated the state fossil in 1993. This extinct scallop is found in the coastal plain of Virginia.
State boat[edit | edit source]
The Chesapeake Bay Deadrise was designated the state boat in 1988. It is a traditional fishing boat used in the Chesapeake Bay.
State folk dance[edit | edit source]
The Virginia Reel was designated the state folk dance in 2012. It is a traditional American dance with origins in English country dance.
State gold mining interpretive center[edit | edit source]
The Monroe Park in Goldvein, Virginia, was designated the state gold mining interpretive center in 1998. It serves to educate the public about Virginia's gold mining history.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
- Virginia
- Flag of Virginia
- Seal of Virginia
- Northern Cardinal
- American Dogwood
- Tiger Swallowtail
- Brook Trout
- Virginia Big-Eared Bat
- American Foxhound
- Eastern Oyster
- Square dance
- Chesapecten jeffersonius
- Chesapeake Bay Deadrise
- Virginia Reel
- Monroe Park
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