Arizona designated petrified wood (Araucarioxylon arizonicum) as the official state fossil in 1988. Araucarioxylon arizonicum is fossilized wood from massive conifers that lived in the Triassic period of prehistoric Arizona (200 - 250 million years ago). All State Fossils
The bola tie was designated the official neckwear of Arizona in 1973 (also the state tie of New Mexico and Texas). Bola ties are widely associated with Western wear. All Cultural Heritage Symbols
The exact evolution of the name Arizona is debated by historians; the Spanish called the area Arisona, Arissona or Arizona, based on native American word(s) translated as meaning "silver-bearing" or "place of the small spring." All State Name Origins
Arizona's nickname is The Grand Canyon State. Most of the canyon lies within the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (one of the first national parks in the United States). All State Nicknames
The Grand Canyon is unmatched throughout the world for the vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. The Grand Canyon attracts about five million visitors per year.
The state flag of Arizona "represents the copper star of Arizona rising from a blue field in the face of a setting sun" (quote from legislation). All State Flags
Blue and gold were designated the official colors of the state of Arizona in 1915. All State Colors
The official seal of Arizona contains symbols of the state's main enterprises, natural resources, and attractions. All State Seals
The actual Great Seal of Arizona that is used on official documents is in black and white. The design on the seal features a background mountain range with the sun rising behind the peaks, a storage reservoir (lake) and a dam, irrigated fields and orchards, grazing cattle, and a quartz mill with a miner holding a pick and shovel.
Arizona's state motto is "Ditat Deus" (Latin for "God Enriches") and is featured on Arizona's state seal. All State Mottos
Virginia designated the Wood Brothers Racing Museum and Virginia Motor Sports Hall of Fame in the Blue Ridge Highlands as an official state symbol in 1995 (Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in Portsmouth is also recognized as an official state symbol of Virginia). All State Museums
The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum in Ferrum, Virginia was designated the official "state center for blue ridge folklore" by Governor Gerald Baliles and the Virginia State Legislature in 1986. All State Museums