List of Kentucky state symbols explained

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has 29 official state emblems, as well as other designated places and events. The majority are determined by acts of the Kentucky General Assembly and recorded in Title I, Chapter 2 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.[1] The state's nickname – "The Bluegrass State" – is traditional, but has never been passed into law by the General Assembly. It does, however, appear on the state's license plates. Despite the nickname's popularity, the General Assembly has not designated bluegrass (or any other grass) as the official state grass.

The first symbol was the Seal of Kentucky, which was made official in 1792. The original seal also contained the future state motto. It served as the state's only emblem for over 130 years until the adoption of the state bird in 1926. Enacted by law in 2010, the newest symbols of Kentucky are the state insect, the honey bee, and the state sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette.

Insignia

TypeSymbolDescriptionYearImageSource
FlagThe Flag of KentuckyKentucky's flag has a navy blue background with the Seal of Kentucky in the middle.1928[2] [3]
Latin mottoDeo gratiam habeamus
"Let us be grateful to God"
2002—[4]
MottoUnited we stand, divided we fall1942—
NicknameThe Bluegrass StateThe bluegrass that grows in the state's pasture landTraditional—[5]
SealThe Seal of KentuckyKentucky's seal depicts two men embracing, the state motto and two sprigs of goldenrod.1792[6] [7]
SloganKentucky Unbridled SpiritThe slogan alludes to Kentucky's reputation in horse racing and horse farms, as well as its production of whiskey2004—[8]

Species

TypeSymbolDescriptionYearImageSource
BirdCardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis		The male cardinal is bright red and the female is brown and dull red. They live in Kentucky year-round.1926[9]
ButterflyViceroy butterfly
Limenitis archippus		Viceroys are a Müllerian mimic to the monarchs which birds avoid eating because they are toxic and distasteful. The butterfly is usually found all over the state, except in mountainous areas, from April until November.[10] 1990[11]
FishKentucky spotted bass
Micropterus punctulatus		Similar to the largemouth bass, a common sporting fish that usually weighs up to 5lb.2005[12]
FlowerGoldenrod
Solidago gigantea		The goldenrod has a yellow flower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It is also the state flower of Nebraska.2023[13]
FruitBlackberry
Rubus allegheniensis		This soft fruit is used to make jams, seedless jellies and wine.2004[14]
HorseThoroughbred
Equus caballus		A horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Over 30% of all U.S. thoroughbred births happen in Kentucky, more than any other state[15] 1996[16]
InsectHoney bee
Apis mellifera		Official state insect in 17 states2010[17]
TreeTulip poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera		The tulip tree is also called the yellow poplar. It has a distinctive leaf shape and yellow, bell-shaped flowers.1994[18]
Wild animal game speciesEastern gray squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis		Predominantly gray fur but it can have a reddish, black or white color. It has a white underside and a large bushy tail.1968[19]

Geology

TypeSymbolDescriptionYearImageSource
FossilBrachiopodBrachiopods are the most collected fossil in Kentucky. They resemble clams, but their top and bottom shell are not identical, and they don't burrow into the sand.[20] 1986[21]
GemstoneFreshwater pearlThe pearl is formed in several species of freshwater mussels. Originally found all over Kentucky, increased pollution, over-harvesting and damming of rivers have severely depleted the population of freshwater mussels.[22] 1986[23]
MineralCoalKentucky is the third leading state in coal production.[24] 1998[25]
RockKentucky agateAgate, a form of quartz, has varying shades of color arranged in layers of red, black, yellow, and gray.2000[26]
SoilCrider Soil SeriesThe Crider soils make up about 500000acres in Kentucky. Most areas are used for crops or pasture for corn, small grain, soybeans, tobacco, and hay.1990[27]

Cultural

TypeSymbolDescriptionYearImageSource
BeverageMilk2005[28]
Soft DrinkAle-8-OneKentucky House Bill 205 of the 2013 Regular Session signed by Governor (Acts Chapter 85) designated this regional, and historical citrus soda as a state symbol, the official soft drink of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.2013[29]
Bluegrass song"Blue Moon of Kentucky"
by Bill Monroe		Kentucky native Bill Monroe wrote this song in 1947 and performed it soon thereafter. Elvis Presley sang the song when he auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry and later recorded it for his first single for Sun Records.1988[30]
DanceCloggingClogging in the southern U.S. has its roots from early settlers. English clogging, Irish jigs, African-American buck dance and Cherokee dance.[31] 2006[32]
GunThe Kentucky Long Rifle2013[33]
LanguageEnglishOver 95% of the state's residents are able to speak English.[34] 1984—[35]
MusicBluegrass music2007[36]
Musical instrumentAppalachian dulcimerA stringed instrument that appeared in the south in the early 19th century2001[37]
Silverware patternOld Kentucky Blue Grass-The Georgetown Pattern1996—[38]
Song"My Old Kentucky Home"The song describes life on a Kentucky plantation.1928[39]
Sports carChevrolet CorvetteSince 1981, the Chevrolet Corvette has been manufactured in Bowling Green.2010[40]

References

General
Specific

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kentucky Revised Statutes: Title I, Chapter 2 . Kentucky Legislature . September 1, 2010 . June 29, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120629220132/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/CHAPTER.HTM . dead .
  2. Web site: Kentucky's State Flag . State of Kentucky . August 28, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20100318033412/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kyflag.htm . March 18, 2010 .
  3. Web site: State flag . Legislative Research Commission . 2007-07-03 . 2012-03-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120305233524/http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KRS/002-00/030.PDF . dead .
  4. Web site: State Motto . https://web.archive.org/web/20120804001933/http://sos.ky.gov/kids/all/symbols/motto.htm . August 4, 2012 . Kentucky Secretary of State . August 30, 2010 . dead .
  5. Web site: State Nickname . https://web.archive.org/web/20120804212841/http://sos.ky.gov/kids/all/symbols/nickname.htm . August 4, 2012 . Kentucky Secretary of State . August 30, 2010 . dead .
  6. Web site: Kentucky's State Seal . State of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20100318033548/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kyseal.htm . March 18, 2010 .
  7. Web site: State seal . Legislative Research Commission . July 3, 2007 . February 5, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120205070833/http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KRS/002-00/020.PDF . dead .
  8. Web site: Unbridled Spirit Information. kentucky.gov. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20061213221726/http://kentucky.gov/unbridledspirit/info.htm. December 13, 2006. December 18, 2006.
  9. Web site: Kentucky's State Bird: The Cardinal . State of Kentucky . August 28, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20100318033341/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kystatebird.htm . March 18, 2010 .
  10. Web site: Viceroy . Butterflies and Moths of North America . Montana State University . August 31, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100909172821/http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1788 . September 9, 2010 .
  11. Web site: State butterfly . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030707/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/083.PDF . dead .
  12. Book: Kleber, John E. . The Kentucky Encyclopedia . University Press of Kentucky . Lexington, Kentucky . 1992 . 321 . August 30, 2010. 0813128838 .
  13. Web site: State flower . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030839/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/090.PDF . dead .
  14. Web site: State fruit . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030842/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/089.PDF . dead .
  15. Web site: Distribution of registered US foal crop by state . The Jockey Club . August 30, 2010 . December 5, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20031205171259/http://www.jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp?section=4 . live .
  16. Web site: State horse . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030917/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/087.PDF . dead .
  17. Web site: State agricultural insect . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030922/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/081.PDF . dead .
  18. Web site: Kentucky's State Tree . State of Kentucky . August 28, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20110108090047/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kytree.htm . January 8, 2011 .
  19. Web site: State wild animal game species . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030926/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/085.PDF . dead .
  20. Web site: Brachiopods . Kentucky Geological Survey . August 30, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110805231629/http://www.uky.edu/KGS/fossils/brachs.htm . 2011-08-05 . dead .
  21. Web site: State fossil . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306030310/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/082.PDF . dead .
  22. Web site: Pearl--Kentucky's State Gemstone . Kentucky Geological Survey . August 31, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110720161234/http://www.uky.edu/KGS/rocksmn/pearl.htm . 2011-07-20 . dead .
  23. Web site: State gemstone . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031020/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/092.PDF . dead .
  24. Web site: U.S. Coal Production by Coal-Producing Region and State . U.S. Energy Information Administration . August 31, 2010 . August 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120820142542/http://www.eia.gov/coal/annual/ . live .
  25. Web site: State mineral . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031041/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/094.PDF . dead .
  26. Web site: State rock . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031052/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/091.PDF . dead .
  27. Web site: State soil . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031101/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/093.PDF . dead .
  28. Web site: State drink . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031112/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/084.PDF . dead .
  29. Web site: 2013-03-22 . Kentucky General Assembly, 2013 Regular Session House Bill 205 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203235702/https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/13RS/HB205.html . February 3, 2023 . legislature.ky.gov.
  30. Web site: Kentucky's State Bluegrass Song: "Blue Moon of Kentucky" . State of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20110108093216/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kybgsong.htm . January 8, 2011 .
  31. News: Cloggers shuffle and skip to save Appalachian tradition . Charlton . Angela . Associated Press . June 1997 . August 31, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20120311002219/http://www.aldha.org/clogging.htm . March 11, 2012 .
  32. Web site: State dance . Legislature of Kentucky . August 28, 2010 . June 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120617103019/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/101.PDF . dead .
  33. Web site: State Gun . Legislature of Kentucky. September 29, 2020.
  34. Web site: Ability to Speak English by Language Spoken at Home for the Population 18 Years and Over . U.S. Census Bureau . August 31, 2010.
  35. Web site: State dance . Legislature of Kentucky . August 30, 2010 . July 30, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120730220919/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/013.PDF . dead .
  36. Web site: State music . Legislature of Kentucky . September 1, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031220/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/102.PDF . dead .
  37. Web site: State musical instrument . Legislature of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306031240/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/103.PDF . dead .
  38. Web site: State silverware pattern. Legislature of Kentucky. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100826110237/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/300.PDF. August 26, 2010. August 29, 2010.
  39. Web site: Kentucky's State Song: "My Old Kentucky Home" . State of Kentucky . August 29, 2010 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20110108081920/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/kysong.htm . January 8, 2011 .
  40. Web site: Gov. Beshear ceremonially signs House Bill 104. Governor of Kentucky. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100730235919/http://migration.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/governor/20100622hb104.htm. July 30, 2010. September 2, 2010.

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