Connecticut designated a large three-toed dinosaur track (Eubrontes Giganteus) as the official state fossil in 1991 (a state dinosaur, Dilophosaurus, was also adopted in July 2017). All State Fossils
Connecticut designated mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) as the official state flower in 1907. The mountain laurel is one of the most beautiful of native American shrubs (also a state symbol of Pennsylvania). All State Flowers
Connecticut designated the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) the official state animal in 1975. All State Mammals - All Aquatic Life Symbols
The sperm whale played a significant role in the history of Connecticut (in the 1800's Connecticut ranked second only to Massachusetts in the whaling industry). The sperm whale is now on the federal endangered species list.
Connecticut designated the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as the official state bird in 1943. Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite songbirds. The American Robin is also a state symbol of Michigan and Wisconsin. All State Birds
The position of poet laureate of Arkansas was established in 1923. The Governor is authorized to proclaim a Poet Laureate of the State of Arkansas, which is an honorary title in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions in poetry by a person who is a resident of the State of Arkansas. The poet laureate is selected from a list of names submitted to the Governor upon recommendation of a committee consisting of the principal heads of the English departments of all state-supported universities and colleges.
According to Arkansas Secretary of State's website, the name "Arkansas" originates with the native American Quapaw tribe "by way of early French explorers. The explorers met a group of Native Americans known as the Ugakhpah (which means "people who live downstream"). These Native Americans later were called the Quapaw, who were also called the Arkansaw. This name came to be used for the land where these Native Americans lived." All State Name Origins
The state motto of Arkansas is "The People Rule" (Regnat populus in Latin).
The nickname for Arkansas is The Natural State. Arkansas is famous for its natural scenic beauty, clear lakes and streams, and abundant wildlife. Arkansas has 52 state parks, three national forests, five national parks, and the nation's first National River (the Buffalo National River, which meanders through the heart of the Ozarks, is America's first federally protected stream).
"Arkansas" by Mrs. Eva Ware Barnett, was adopted as the official state anthem of Arkansas in 1987, along with three other state songs; "Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me, "The Arkansas Traveler," and "Oh, Arkansas").
Arkansas designated the fiddle as the official state musical instrument in 1985. The fiddle (violin) was an important part of life to the early pioneers at community gatherings and square dances (square dancing is the official folk dance of Arkansas).