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Pennsylvania State Symbols

Welcome to Pennsylvania! (Continued below)

Pennsylvania State Flag
Nicknames & Slogans
Nicknames The Keystone State, Quaker State  
Symbols of State
Flag 1907
Motto Virtue, Liberty, and Independence 1875
Latin Motto Ubi libertas vivit, hic patria mihi 2015
Song Pennsylvania 1990
EcoSymbols
Flower mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) 1933
Tree eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) 1931
Beautification and Conservation Plant Penngift crownvetch (Securigera varia) 1982
Bird ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) 1931
Animal white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 1959
Dog Great Dane (Canis lupus familiaris) 1965
Amphibian hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) 2019
Fish brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 1970
Insect firefly (Photuris pennsylvanica) 1974
Fossil † trilobite (Phacops rana) 1988
Soil Hazelton (unofficial) Unofficial
Cultural Symbols
Beverage milk Redundant Symbol 1982
Steam Locomotive K4s Steam Locomotive 1987
Electric Locomotive GG1 4859 Electric Locomotive 1987
Aircraft Piper J-3 Cub 2014
Arboretum Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania 1988
Pops Orchestra Philly Pops 1999
Theatre Walnut Street Theatre at 9th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia 1999
Firearm Pennsylvania long rifle 2014
Flagship of Pennsylvania United States Brig Niagara 1988

Aside from the white-tailed deer and brook trout, Pennsylvania’s symbols are relatively unique. Pennsylvanians have adopted just one of the four most monotonous symbols—the honeybee, milk, square dance and English.

A couple other states have adopted fireflies—among my favorite state insects—but how many people have even heard of a hellbender?

The low point among Pennsylvania’s symbols might be its flag. Fortunately, it now has some competition.

So, what do you think about Pennsylvania’s roster of state symbols? You can learn about the grade I gave the Keystone State in Grading the States. Or take an even closer look at Pennsylvania’s symbols with My State Symbols Book.

Pennsylvania Symbols Store
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