Welcome to Alabama! (Continued below)
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| Nicknames & Slogans | |||
| Nicknames | The Heart of Dixie, The Yellowhammer State, Cotton State | ||
| Symbols of State | > | ||
| Motto | Audemus jura nostra defendere | 1939 | > |
| Song | Alabama | 1931 | > |
| EcoSymbols | |||
| Flower | camellia (Camellia) | 1959 | > |
| (former) | goldenrod (Solidago) | 1927 | |
| Wildflower | oak-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) | 1999 | > |
| Tree | southern longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) | 1997 | > |
| (former) | “southern pine” (Pinus) | 1949 | |
| Fruit | blackberry (Rubus occidentalis) | 2004 | > |
| Tree Fruit | peach (Prunus persica) | 2006 | > |
| Nut | pecan (Carya illinoinensis) | 1982 | > |
| Bird | yellowhammer [common flicker] (Colaptes auratus) | 1927 | > |
| Game Bird | turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | 1980 | > |
| Mammal | black bear (Ursus americanus) | 2006 | > |
| Marine Mammal | manatee (Trichechus manatus) | 2009 | > |
| Horse | Racking Horse (Equus caballus) | 1975 | > |
| Reptile | Alabama red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis) | 1990 | > |
| Amphibian | Red Hills salamander (Phaeognathus hubrichti) | 2000 | > |
| Fresh Water Fish | largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) | 1975 | > |
| Salt Water Fish | (fighting) tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) | 1955 | > |
| Insect | monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) | 1989 | > |
| Mascot and Butterfly | eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) | 1989 | > |
| Agricultural Insect | queen honey bee (Apis mellifera) | 2015 | > |
| Crustacean | brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) | 2015 | > |
| Shell | Johnstone’s junonia (Scaphella junonia) | 1990 | > |
| Mineral | hematite (red iron ore) | 1967 | > |
| Rock | marble | 1969 | > |
| Gemstone | star blue quartz | 1990 | > |
| Fossil † | prehistoric whale (Basilosaurus cetoides) | 1984 | > |
| Soil | Bama Soil Series | 1997 | > |
| Wild and Scenic River | Little River | 1969 | |
| Cultural Symbols | > | ||
| Dessert | Lane cake | 2016 | > |
| Barbecue Championship | Demopolis Christmas on the River Cook-off | 1991 | > |
| Spirit | Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey | 2004 | > |
Horse Shoe Tournament  |
Stockton Fall Horseshoe Tournament | 1992 | > |
| Horse Show |
Alabama State Championship Horse Show | 1988 | > |
| Agricultural Museum | Dothan Landmarks Park | 1992 | > |
| Renaissance Faire |
Florence Renaissance Faire | 1988 | > |
| Dance | square dance  |
1981 | > |
| Historic Theatre | Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts | 1993 | > |
| Outdoor Drama | The Miracle Worker | 1991 | > |
| Outdoor Musical Drama | The Incident at Looney’s Tavern | 1993 | > |
| Quilt | Pine Burr Quilt | 1997 | > |
| Bible | State Bible | 1853 | > |
| Flag Pledge | 2001 | > | |
| Creed | Alabama’s Creed | 1953 | > |
| Language | English |
1990 | > |
Alabama has a sizable roster of state symbols that includes three insects, whiskey, and the only official state Bible. (Thank God!) However, one of its most familiar and endearing symbols is its state bird, the yellowhammer. The only woodpecker adopted as a state bird, it recalls the Civil War, which also inspired some of Alabama’s nicknames.
Alabama’s symbols also pay tribute to Helen Keller. One of my heroes, it’s a little surprising to see her so honored in the conservative South. Then again, most people don’t know her story …
Little River, Alabama’s official wild and scenic river. (By Richard A. Weaver – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source)
Dress to impress! Check out the State Symbols Pro > Alabama Symbols Store.
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