Each of the 50 States in the US have a unique flag that characterizes the state often with historical information, the state seal or other unique characteristic of the state.

Each of the 50 States in the United States has an abbreviation that is used for various reason but mainly used for postal services.  Other uses of the state abbreviations are data collection, regulations in licensing such as boating, driving, hunting, fishing etc. 

The 50 states in the United States have taken there names from a wide range of languages and cultures throughout the world.  Of these names many are from indigenous words and some are named in honor of a King, Queen, or Duke from the old world. A few states meaning are entirely unknown and one may have even been a practical joke.

To find the Origins of the each state's name simply use the Map and click on any state or scroll below to see an alphabetical list of US States.

Alaska State Flower: Forget-Me-Not

Scientific Name: Myosotis alpestris

State Flower Description: The Alpine Forget Me Not grows throughout Alaska in open, rocky places high in the mountains and it flowers in midsummer. The color of the Alpine Forget Me Not is a very blue, and grows 5 to 12 inches high. The alpine forget me not can actually pick up its roots and move to another location or "walk".

Where It's Found: The Forget-Me-Not (Alpine) is found throughout Alaska in open, rocky places high in the mountains.

Alaska State Flower Dedication: 1949

The official state song of Alabama is the song "Alabama" which was written by Julia S. Tutwiler who was an educator and humanitarian.  Julia S. Tutwiler wrote the words of the song when she returned home from Germany where she was studying education.  The Alabama State Song was declared the state song on March 9th, 1931 by state legislature House Joint Resolution 74 and was approved by Governor B. M. Miller.

The State Quarter of Alabama features Helen Keller seated a longleaf pine (state tree) branch and magnolia blossoms with a banner with text reading: "Spirit of Courage" and a Caption of: "Helen Keller" in standard print and Braille beside her sitting in a chair. The Alabama Quarter was released March 17, 2003 and there was 457,400,000 printed by the mint.  The engraver of the Alabama Quarter was Norman E. Nemeth

The official State Food (Tree Fruit) of Alabama is the Peach (Rosacea, genus Prunus, Species P. persica).  The peach was declared the Alabama State Tree Fruit in 2006 via state legislature Acts of Alabama 2006, HB205. In Alabama there are 34 different varieties of peaches grown throughout the state, most commercial growers of peaches in Alabama harvest their fruit later in the season due to them being sold locally in the state. Peaches in the southern areas of Alabama are harvested in early May and in the northern sections of Alabama they are harvested in September.  You can find Alabama peaches in grocery stores in Alabama as wells as road side fruit vendors in the state.

The official State Mammal of Alabama is the Black Bear (Ursus americanus).  The black bear was declared the the Alabama State Mammal in 2006 via Acts of Alabama 2006, SB76. Black bears are found throughout Alabama and generally are black with a brown muzzle and range in weights from 150lbs to 350lbs with the males being larger than the females. Black bears mostly eat plants and berries but will eat other animals when the opportunity presents itself as a very easy prey.  Female black bears begin to have cubs around 5 years of age and generally give birth to 1 to 5 cubs with twins being the most common.

The official State Fruit of Alabama is the blackberry (Rubus, R. occidentalis) The blackberry was designated the state fruit of Alabama on April 30, 2004 via state legislature Senate Bill 163. Blackberries are a aggregate fruit that is composed of many smaller fruits called drupes and are often confused with rasberries. One way to tell the difference between the two is rasberries are hollow inside and blackberries are not. Blackberries are also very good for you and are antioxidants that contain vast amounts of anthocyanocides which have been reported to helpding prevent heart disease, cancer and strokes.

The official state amphibian of the state of Alabama is the Red Hills salamander, (Phaeognathus hubrichti Highton). The red hills salamander became the state amphibian on April 13th, 2000 via state legislature Act 2000-232. The Red Hills salamander is extremely rare and currently is on the endangered species list and is under federal protection since 1976.  The salmandar is only thought to be found in the southern section of Alabama in Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Covington and Monroe Counties.