Symbol | Official Item

Arizona designated the two-tailed swallowtail butterfly (Papilio multicaudata) as the official state butterfly in 2001 (also called two-tailed tiger swallowtail). All State Insects

Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly Facts

A large butterfly (wingspan 3.5 to 5.5 inches), the two-tailed swallowtail is found only west of the Mississippi in North America (in canyons, foothills, valleys, woodlands, and gardens from southwestern Canada through the western half of the U.S. and into Mexico).

Virginia designated an official state fleet in 2001; the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery are replicas of the 3 ships that sailed from England to Jamestown in 1607. All State Vessels

Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery are exhibited at the Jamestown Settlement museum in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The Commonwealth of Virginia designated "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" as the state's official outdoor drama in 1994 (Virginia also recognizes an official historical outdoor drama). All State Arts & Dramas

Virginia's official state motto is "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus Always to Tyrants). The Latin motto appears on the state seal and state flag of Virginia. All State Mottos

"The Long Way Home" was designated the official state historical outdoor drama in 1994 (Virginia also recognized "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" as an official outdoor drama in the same bill). All Arts & Drama Symbols

The story is based on the book by Susan M. Thigpen and adapted for the stage by Earl Hobson Smith; it is performed in the city of Radford, Virginia. 

Virginia designated the Artisans Center of Virginia in Waynesboro as the official state artisan center in 1999. All Arts & Drama Symbols

The Artisans Center of Virginia develops and implements systems and strategies to improve economic outcomes for Virginia artisans and their communities while assisting them in promoting their local artisan culture. Their mission includes:

Heritage: maintaining the culture of quality handmade craft.

"Carry Me Back to Old Virginia" by James A. Bland (original title; "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny") was designated the official state song of Virginia in 1940, then re-designated as the state "song emeritus" in 1997. The definition of emeritus: retired or honorably discharged from active professional duty, but retaining the title of one's office or position.

"To The Rescue" (located in the city of Roanoke, Virginia) was designated the official emergency medical services museum of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1994. All State Museums

The first rescue squad in the world was founded in Roanoke, Virginia (the "Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew" in 1928). The "To The Rescue" museum was established as a nonprofit organization "dedicated to the worldwide history, training, promotion, and support of those who serve to save lives."

The cactus wren (Heleodytes brunneicapillus couesi) was officially recognized as the state bird of Arizona in 1931. All State Birds

The largest North American wren (7-9 inches), cactus wrens are native to the arid south-western United States extending to central Mexico.  

The pure white waxy blossom of the giant saguaro cactus was designated the state flower of Arizona in 1931. All State Flowers

The giant saguaro cactus (Cereus giganteus) is indigenous to Arizona; it grows to a height of forty to fifty feet and lives to an age of 150 to 200 years.