Massachusetts designated the tabby cat (Felis catus) as the official state cat in 1988, in response to the wishes of the schoolchildren of Massachusetts (a state dog had already been adopted in 1979). All State Dogs & Cats
Massachusetts designated the New England Neptune shell (Neptuna lyrata decemcostata) as the official state shell in 1987. All Aquatic-Life Symbols
Massachusetts designated Taj Mahal (blues, jazz, and folk musician Henry St. Clair Fredericks) as the official state blues artist in 2006. All State Awards - All Historic & Iconic People
Massachusetts designated Norman Rockwell as the official state artist in 2008. Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and contains the world’s largest collection of Rockwell art. All State Awards & Recognition
Norman Rockwell (1894 -1978) was an author, painter, and illustrator most well-known for his cover illustrations on "The Saturday Evening Post" and "Boys' Life" magazines. His artwork reflected 20th-century American culture.
Tama soil was chosen as the representative soil of Iowa, though it has not yet been made official by Iowa Legislature. All State Soils
The Tama soil series is considered one of the most productive of the soils in Iowa used for agriculture. There are about 825,000 acres of Tama soil in east-central and eastern Iowa. The Tama soil series was first identified in Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 1917 (it has now been identified in 26 counties in Iowa). Tama soil is also found in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Iowa designated the oak as the official state tree in 1961 (oak is also the national tree of the United States). All State Trees
The oak tree was chosen because it is abundant in the state and provides shelter, food, and nesting cover for many of Iowa's animals and birds. It's difficult to find a tract of natural woodland in Iowa that does not have at least one species of oak tree.
The geode was designated the official state rock of Iowa in 1967 to promote tourism in the state. Iowa is known worldwide because of the large number of rare and beautiful geodes found in the state. All State Rocks
The area around Keokuk, Iowa is famed for the beauty of the geodes found here. Commonly called "Keokuk geodes," they are sought after by collectors and museums around the world.
Iowa designated English as the official state language in 2002 to encourage every citizen of the state to become more proficient in the English language. All State Languages
Iowa designated the eastern goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) as the official state bird in 1933. Also called American goldfinch or wild canary, the eastern goldfinch is found throughout Iowa and often stays through the winter months. All State Birds
The diet of the eastern Goldfinch consists mainly of seeds from dandelions, sunflowers, ragweed, and evening primrose.
Iowa designated "Song of Iowa" as the official state song in 1911; lyrics by S.H.M. Byers, sung to the music of "Tannenbaum." All State Songs