MISSOURI STATE SYMBOLS
Like all states in the U.S.A., Missouri has adopted a number of official state symbols.
State Animal - The Missouri Mule
The Missouri State Animal, chosen on May 31, 1995, is the Missouri Mule, which was used by pioneers in the 1800's to pull their wagons to the west.
State Bird - Bluebird
The bluebird was named the State Bird of Missouri on March 30, 1927. With their vivid blue, white and red feathers, they have both a patriotic and festive appearance.
State Flower - White Hawthorn
The White Hawthorn Blossom was made the State Flower on March 16, 1923. These flowers, which are white and grow in bunches on hawthorn trees, are most common in southern Missouri.
State Fossil - Delocrinus Missouriensis Crinoid
The Delocrinus Missouriensis Crinoid, the fossilized remains of ocean-dwelling sea lilies that once covered the state, was named the Missouri State Fossil on June 16, 1989.
State Insect - Honeybee
The honeybee was chosen as the State Insect on July 3, 1985. Between pollinating flowers and using flower nectar to make honey, these yellow and black insects are truly "busy bees."
State American Folk Dance - Square Dance
Missouri chose the square dance as the State American Folk Dance on May 31, 1995. Brought to the United States by European immigrants, square dancing features lively music and caller who leads the dancers by calling out dance steps to perform.
State Mineral - Galena
Galena was selected as the State Mineral on July 21, 1967. Mined in many Missouri counties, this chunky mineral is a major source of lead.
State Motto - "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto" (The Welfare of the People Shall Be the Supreme Law)
"Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto" (The Welfare of the People Shall Be the Supreme Law) was adopted as the Missouri State Motto in 1822.
State Musical Instrument - Fiddle
Missouri selected the fiddle as the State Musical Instrument on July 17, 1987. More famously known by its formal name, the violin, the fiddle was often the only source of music in the 18th Century.
State Song - "Missouri Waltz"
"Missouri Waltz" (lyrics by J.R. Shannon, music by John V. Eppel and arranged by Frederick Knight Logan) was chosen as the Missouri State Song in 1949.
State Tree - Flowering Dogwood
The State Tree of Missouri was named the Flowering Dogwood on June 20, 1955. These small trees grow all over the state. In spring, pink to white flowers bloom on it and red fruit appears in the fall.
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