Oklahoma designated Saurophaganax Maximus as the official state fossil in 2000 as a symbol of Oklahoma's rich contributions to paleontology (Oklahoma also adopted an official state dinosaur in 2006). All State Fossils
Oklahoma designated Gusty® as the official state cartoon character in 2005 (the first cartoon symbol for any state). All Arts & Drama Symbols
In 1954 Don Woods and Gusty® joined KTUL TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 35 memorable years of weather forecasts. During each weathercast Don drew a Gusty® showing the predicted weather conditions. The popularity of Don and Gusty® grew throughout portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas until they were household names.
The official state motto of Oklahoma is "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Latin for "Work Conquers All"). Oklahoma's motto appears on the state seal. All State Mottos
"Work conquers all" is an adaptation of a phrase in Virgil Georgics' "...Labor omnia vicit / improbus" ("Steady work overcame all things"), a poem that was written to support Augustus Caesar's "Back to the Land" policy, which was meant to encourage more Romans to become farmers.
The great seal of Oklahoma is rich with symbols of the history of the state. All State Seals
The seal features a five-pointed star; in the center of the star is the Oklahoma state motto: "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Work conquers all). Columbia, a symbol of justice, stands between a pioneer and a Native American clasping hands (the central figures and wreath are from the great seal of the territory of Oklahoma).
The current state flag of Oklahoma, designed by Louise Fluke, was adopted in 1925 (Oklahoma had 13 previous flags). All State Flags
The blue field signifies devotion, the shield is a symbol of defensive or protective warfare, but always surmounted by the olive branch and peace pipe which betoken the love of peace by a united people.
"I salute the flag of the State of Oklahoma. Its symbols of peace unite all people."
Oklahoma designated the collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) as the official state reptile symbol in 1969. All State Reptiles
Oklahoma designated watermelon (citrullus lanatus) as the official state vegetable in 2007. All State Foods & Beverages
Rush Springs has been home to a citrullus lanatus festival since 1948; held each year on the second Saturday of August (the area is known for delicious watermelons grown in the sandy soil that encircles Rush Springs). The communities of Ringwood and Valliant also have annual watermelon festivals.
Oklahoma designated green and white as the official state colors in 1915. All State Colors
Green and white represent the colors of the foliage and berries of mistletoe, the state's official floral emblem (Oklahoma's first official symbol - adopted even before statehood).
Oklahoma designated the elegant scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) as the official state bird in 1951 (Oklahoma also adopted an official state game bird in 1990). All State Birds
The U.S. Mint's commemorative quarter representing Oklahoma features a scissor-tailed flycatcher (the official state bird of Oklahoma) and Indian blankets (the state wildflower). Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1907. All State Quarters