Unique symbols of states in America (part I)

Each state in America has different symbolic images, which can be an animal, a dance, a cake, a drink, to the constellations …

Alabama: The square dance. Many states in the US consider it to be an official traditional dance. By order of the Governor of Alabama in 2018, there is one week in August called “Square Dance Week”. Alaska: The Bowhead Whale. The Bowhead whale was declared a symbol of Alaska’s marine mammal in 1983. Arizona: Lemon juice. In 2019, lemon juice became the official beverage icon of the state of Arizona. Arkansas: Tomatoes. While there’s always a debate over whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, in Arkansas, it’s both. California: Denim fabrics. According to the California Library, denim has been part of state history since the “California Gold Rush,” when it was used to make clothes for working San Francisco residents. Colorado: Pet refuge. Colorado and several other states in the US have become home to many abandoned pets. Connecticut: Submarine USS Nautilus. Built in Connecticut, the USS Nautilus is the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, launched in 1954. Delaware: The Kalmar Nyckel. The Kalmar Nyckel was built in Sweden, but is famous for carrying settlers to North America in 1638 to establish New Sweden. Florida: Sea Cow. The sea cow became the symbol of Florida’s marine mammal in 1975. Georgia: Vidalia Onion. Vidalia onions are named after a town in Georgia where they were first grown. Hawaii: Surfing. With the advantage of beautiful weather, Hawaii is home to outdoor sports such as surfing or canoeing. Idaho: Blueberries. Idaho is famous for its variety of vegetables, but this state’s iconic fruit is the blueberry. Illinois: Popcorn. Joliet city elementary school students petitioned popcorn as the state’s official snack in 2003, and this was successful. Indiana: Wabash River. This river is more than 800km long, flows through many states and eventually empty into the Ohio River. Kansas: The Chambourcin grape. In 2019, the state of Kansas declared Chambourcin their official red wine grape and Vignoles as the official white wine grape. Kentucky: Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green city since the 1980s, becoming the official sports car of the state. Louisiana: Catahoula leopard. The Catahoula leopard was a cross between a dog raised by an Indian from the Lake Catahoula area and a Spanish dog that arrived in Louisiana in the 1500s. Maine: Whoopie. This delicious cake has been made in Maine since the 1920s, and consists of two chocolate cakes with white cream filling in the middle. Maryland: Smith Island Ice Cream. This cake has very thin layers of cake and filling. This is considered a specialty of Smith Island residents. Michigan: Petoskey Stone. These patterned stones are the remains of fossilized coral. Michigan recognized it as the state’s official stone in 1965. Minnesota: Blueberry muffin. This cake became a symbol of the state of Minnesota in 1988. Mississippi: Teddy bear. Teddy bears have been with the state of Mississippi since the time of President Theodore Roosevelt, who hunted bears and refused to shoot a trapped bear. Teddy bears became the official toy of Mississippi in 2002. Missouri: Ice cream cone. 1904 World Fair in St. Petersburg Louis is the birthplace of this sweet dish. Ice cream cone became the official dessert of the state of Missouri in 2008. Montana: Grizzly Bear. Grizzly, also known as the North American grizzly bear, became an animal of Montana in 1982./.