Iowa’s Bizarre State Symbols
Iowa might have some of the most unusual state symbols in the United States. From the state rock to the state muffin, Iowa’s state symbols are a hodgepodge of weird, odd, and peculiar items. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Iowa’s state symbols so unique.
1. State Rock: Iowa has not one but two state rocks – the geode and the rock quartz.
2. State Muffin: Who would have thought that a muffin could be a state symbol? Iowa, that’s who. In 1988, the state declared the cinnamon roll as Iowa’s official state muffin.
3. State Tree: Iowa’s state tree is the oak tree, but not just any oak tree. It is the Bur Oak, which can grow up to 100 feet tall and live for over 300 years.
4. State Bird: The Eastern Goldfinch was declared the state bird in 1933 due to its vibrant yellow coloring.
5. State Flower: Iowa’s official state flower is the Wild Rose, a beautiful pink flower that can be found in abundance across the state.
6. State Insect: The Dragonfly may seem like an unusual choice for a state symbol, but it was designated as such in 1997 for its beauty and beneficial impact on the environment.
7. State Fossil: What better way to represent Iowa’s rich geological past than with an official state fossil? The Devonian Fossil, a marine animal that existed over 360 million years ago, was designated as the state fossil in 1990.
8. State Gemstone: Iowa’s state gemstone is the Hawkeye Agate, a beautiful and unusual variety of chalcedony that is found primarily in Iowa.
9. State Song: “The Song of Iowa” was adopted as the state song in 1949. The song’s lyrics extol the virtues of Iowa and its people.
10. State Motto: Iowa’s state motto is “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.”
11. State Seal: Iowa’s state seal features an eagle holding a banner that reads “Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We will Maintain.” Surrounding the eagle are symbols of Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
12. State Flag: Iowa’s state flag features three vertical stripes – blue on the left, white in the center, and red on the right. In the center of the white stripe is a bald eagle carrying a banner that reads “Iowa.”
In conclusion, Iowa’s state symbols might seem bizarre and unusual at first glance, but they represent the state’s rich heritage and unique characteristics. From the state muffin to the state fossil, Iowa’s state symbols showcase the state’s diversity and add to its charm and appeal. So the next time you’re in Iowa, be sure to keep an eye out for these odd yet fascinating state symbols.
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