WEST VIRGINIA STATE SYMBOLS

STATE FLAG

Before the design of the present State Flag was officially adopted by the Legislature on March 7, 1929, by Senate Resolution No. 18, West Virginia had been represented by several flags which had proved impractical.

Prominently displayed on the pure white filed of today's flag and emblazoned in proper colors in the Coat of Arms, the lower half of which is wreathed by Rhododendron. Across the top, lettered on a ribbon, is the constitutional designation- "State of West Virginia". The white field is bordered on four sides by a strip of blue, and for parade purposes all but the staff side are to be trimmed with gold fringe.

GREAT SEAL OF WEST VIRGINIA

The Great Seal of West Virginia, which also is the Coat of Arms, was adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863, and symbolizes, the principal pursuits and resources of West Virginia. Described briefly, the obverse side of the Seal bears the legend, "State of West Virginia" together with the motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free); a farmer stands to the right and a miner stands to the left of a large ivy-draped rock bearing the date of the state's admission to the Union, in front of the rock are two hunters' rifles upon which tests a Phygian Cap, or "Cap of liberty".

The reverse side of the Seal is not in common use today. It intended to be employed when the Seal was attached to documents by ribbons and suspended in the manner of a medal.

Joseph H. Diss Debar, of Doddridge County, desgined the State Seal in 1863 at the request of the first West Virginia Legislature.

STATE SONGS

"THE WEST VIRGINIA HILLS", 'THIS IS MY WEST VIRGINIA", AND "WEST VIRGINIA MY HOME SWEET HOME", were designated as the official State Songs of West Virginia, each ranking equally with others in official status, by House concurrent Resolution No. 19, adopted by the Legislature on February 28, 1963.

OFFICIAL COLORS

'OLD GOLD' and BLUE were designated as Official State Colors by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20, adopted by the Legislature on March 8,1963.

STATE DAY

West Virginia was proclaimed a State on April 20, 1863, with the bill becoming effective sixty days later on June 20, 1963.

STATE TREE

The Sugar Maple or ACER SACCHARUM, was adopted by the Legislature on March 7, 1949. A single tree us 70 to 120 feet high and produces two to three pounds of sugar when "sugared off".

STATE BIRD

The Cardinal or RICHMONDENA CARDINALS, adopted by Legislature on March 7, 1949. The adult measures approximately eight inches long.

STATE FLOWER

The RHODODENDRON MAZIMUM or "BIG LAUREL" adopted on January 29, 1903.

STATE ANIMAL

The BLACK BEAR or EUARCTOS AMERICANUS adopted in 1973. Only species of bear found in the State. Adult reached maximum weight of 250 pounds.

STATE FRUIT

The APPLE was designated as the offical State Fruit, adopted by the Legislature on March 7, 1972.

STATE FISH

The BROOK TROUT was adopted Regular Session, 1973, following a poll of sportsmen who favored the Brook Trout.





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