Symbol | Official Item

The dolphin (Tursiops truncates) was designated the official state saltwater mammal of Florida in 1975 (the manatee and Florida panther are also official mammal symbols of Florida).

In 1982 the students of Florida elected the magnificent Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) as the official state animal of Florida. All State Mammals

Florida panthers were persecuted to near-extinction out of fear and misunderstanding (folklore refers to them as "catamounts"). The Florida panther was listed on the federal endangered species list in1967, and on the state of Florida's endangered list in 1973.

The original 1868 flag of Florida was simply the Florida state seal centered on a field of white. In the 1890's, Florida's governor suggested adding the red cross so the flag would not look like a banner of truce or surrender when hanging limp on a flagpole. Florida voters agreed and an amendment to Florida's constitution was made in 1900 which describes the current design.

The state motto of Delaware is "Liberty and Independence." All State Mottos

Delaware designated Greenwich loam as the official state soil in 2000. All State Soils

Students from Fifer Middle School assisted Rep. V. George Carey (sponsor) in convincing Legislators to adopt Greenwich loam as a state soil. The students made Greenwich soil mini-monoliths, which they distributed to legislators to illustrate the need for public education on the importance of soils and soil conservation.

First adopted in 1777, the state coat of arms appears on the state flag and state seal of Delaware. All Coats of Arms

Symbols on Delaware's Coat of Arms

The ship is a symbol of Delaware's ship building industry and extensive coastal commerce.

Delaware designated "Our Delaware" as the official state song in 1925 (words by George B. Hynson and Donn Devine, music by Will M. S. Brown). All State Songs

Delaware designated the Delaware Diamond as the official state star on June 30, 2000. All State Stars

Delaware Diamond Facts

A star of the 12th magnitude that can be seen with binoculars or a telescope, the Delaware Diamond is located in the constellation of Ursa Major (Great Bear or Big Dipper). Coordinates of right ascension 9h40m44s and declination 48°14'2".

The name "Delaware" originates from the Delaware River and Bay, which were named in honor of Sir Thomas West (Lord De La Warr), the first governor of the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 1610. All State Name Origins

The official state colors of Delaware are colonial blue and buff (also found on the state flag). All State Colors

The shades of buff and colonial blue represent the uniform colors of General George Washington as shown on a specific plate from an official U.S. Army publication.