South Carolina designated goldenrod as the official state wildflower in 2003, a result of efforts by the state wildflower Chairman for the Garden Club of South Carolina. Goldenrod is a hardy plant with bright yellow flowers blooming in late summer and early fall. Goldenrod is found throughout South Carolina in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
South Carolina designated blue granite as the official state stone in 1969. South Carolina is one of the largest producers of granite in the United States. Blue granite is actually gray-colored granite, but can exhibit a blue hue when it is polished.
South Carolina designated beach music as the official state popular music in 2001. Beach music is primarily a rhythm and blues style based on 4/4 rhythm with a moderate to fast-paced tempo. Beach music is closely associated with the shag dance (also a symbol of South Carolina).
South Carolina designated the spiritual as the official state music in 1999. Spirituals are songs usually derived from a religious theme. The origin and development of the spiritual is deeply rooted in South Carolina; much of this music originated in the coastal regions.
South Carolina designated Indian grass as the official state grass in 2001. Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a native, perennial, warm-season grass that grows 3 to 5 feet tall.
South Carolina designated the boiled peanut as the official state snack in 2006. South Carolinians began boiling peanuts in the 1800's.
Boiled peanuts are sold as a snack throughout South Carolina at roadside stands, festivals, produce stands and stores.
South Carolina designated the marsh tacky (Equus caballus) as the official state heritage horse in 2010. The marsh tacky is a rare colonial Spanish horse breed unique to South Carolina. These tough horses have played a pivotal role in the development and defense of South Carolina, and were an integral part of life in early Lowcountry communities.
South Carolina designated the sweetgrass basket as the official state lowcountry handcraft in 2006. Sweetgrass basket-making has been a tradition in the lowcountry for over 300 years and it is one of the oldest art forms of African origin in the United States. Lowcountry sweetgrass baskets are famous for their detailed craftsmanship.
The Rhode Island red chicken was designated the official state bird of Rhode Island in 1954. All State Birds
The Rhode Island Red was chosen during an election sponsored by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs, and the Providence Journal Company (other contenders included the osprey and ruby-throated hummingbird).
When the bill was signed into law, then-Governor Dennis J. Roberts stated: "The Rhode Island red has become a symbol of Rhode Islanders all over the world."
Louisiana designated The Gifts of Earth by Frances LeBeau Kennedy (sung to the tune of "America the Beautiful") as the state environmental song in 1990.
See the world around you,
All the wonders of the land,
The woods and fields and flowers,
Sunny skies and seas and sands.
It's a gift for all the people,
To live in this great land,
Where the beauty all around us,
Teaches us to understand ...