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Alabama State Symbols

Welcome to Alabama! (Continued below)

 state flag  state seal
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 Event Stockton Fall Horseshoe Tournament 1992
Horse Show Event Alabama State Championship Horse Show 1988
Agricultural Museum Dothan Landmarks Park 1992
Renaissance Faire Event Florence Renaissance Faire 1988
Dance square dance Redundant Symbol 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 Redundant Symbol 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
Little River, Alabama’s official wild and scenic river. (By Richard A. Weaver – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source)
Alabama Symbols Store
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