Official Symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural
treasures of each state or the entire United States (see our
National Symbols). Each state and region is also recognized by
well-known icons and emblems such as state flags and seals. A
Social Studies teacher describes how she and her 7th grade
students championed the cowboy boot as a state symbol on the
State Footwear of Texas page; or read how students in Anchorage,
Alaska initiated the adoption of an official State Dog! When did
we begin adopting state symbols? A "National Garland of Flowers"
created for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair (made of
representative flowers selected by each state) was the
inspiration for adopting official state floral emblems. This
began a trend that led to the adoption of official state birds,
trees, and all the unique state symbols recognized today.