Symbol | Official Item

The Georgia District Tartan was officially recognized as a state symbol of Georgia in 1997. All State Tartans

Georgia adopted the annual "Shoot the Bull" barbecue championship in Hawkinsville, GA as an official state barbecue championship cookoff in 1997 (Georgia also recognizes a pork barbecue championship cookoff; Big Pig Jig).  All Food Symbols

Georgia designated "The Slosheye Trail Big Pig Jig" in Vienna as the official state pork barbecue championship cook-off in 1997 (Georgia also recognizes an official beef barbecue cook-off). All State Events

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was designated the official state fish of Georgia in 1970.

Georgia designated the tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) as the official state butterfly in 1988 (Georgia also recognizes a state insect). All State Insects

Georgia adopted Pogo as the official state ‘possum in 1992. Arts & Drama Symbols

Pogo is a friendly cartoon "swamp critter" that comments wryly on politics and philosophy. Created by Walt Kelly (cartoonist and movie animator), who was inspired after visiting the Okefenokee Swamp in 1942.

Staurolite was designated the official state mineral of Georgia in 1976 (Georgia also recognizes an official state gem). Commonly called "fairy crosses" or "fairy stones," staurolite crystals are common in northern Georgia and are collected as good luck charms. All State Minerals

Excerpt from House Resolution No. 517-1385

"Whereas, Georgia has a wealth of minerals and gemstones; and

Georgia designated the square dance as the official state folk dance in 1996. Square dancing is fun for young and old - a great form of entertainment, exercise, and fellowship. All State Dances

Over twenty states have passed legislation recognizing square dancing as a state symbol and more than thirty bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national [folk] dance of the United States.

Plains High School was designated the official state school of Georgia in 1979. Plains High School opened in 1921, was racially integrated in 1966, and served students from Plains, Georgia until 1979. All Cultural Heritage Symbols

Georgia designated the Vidalia onion as the official state vegetable in 1990 (Georgia also adopted a state fruit, a state crop, and an official prepared food).