The Washington state was founded in 1853 and was formed from part of the Oregon Territory.It is named in honor of George Washington, who formed the part of the Union in 1889 also was the second state to join it. Now, Washington houses the US Capitol and the White House, thereby becoming the center of power in the US.Washington holds a lot of significance in the history of the United States and even today it is an extremely important state in the country. Like most of the other states in the US, Washington also has some distinct symbols which are associated with various aspects of the state, its culture, history, heritage, and ecology. Symbols like state insect, state flower, state bird tell you a lot about the historical background of the state.Washington has a number of symbols that one should be fascinated to know about. The following article shall be answering various questions about the state symbols. Read along to find out about the state flower, state tree, state symbols, state song, and many other interesting topics about southeastern Washington.After reading about the different symbols of the state of Washington, also check facts about German Christmas symbols and lizard symbolism.Washington State Symbols, Emblems, And MascotsWashington State symbols contain descriptions and pictures of the state symbols, emblems, and mascots of the state, which can be quickly accessed. Most of these objects or animals have been assigned the official status by the state legislature.This is the reason that all these symbols hold great significance for American citizens as well as students of history from across the world. Here are some of the most interesting facts about different state symbols of Washington that will surely intrigue your curiosity.There are a number of State symbols in Washington as it is famous for a number of reasons that should be given importance to.It is the only state that has been named after the President. The largest producer of apples in the United States is Washington. Fun fact, Washington is known for being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle being its home. Washington is also famous for its football team and for being rugged and stunningly beautiful. Masonic lodges in Washington are very famous like the stately George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria. The Masonic lodges are currently 36 in number in Washington.The state flag of Washington was adopted by the state legislature in the year 1923, more than three decades after the state became a part of the USA.Washington has been given a nickname too that is ‘The Evergreen State’. But, the nickname is not officially adopted by the Washington Legislature. The flag of Washington was adopted in 1923 that is the first official symbol of Washington. It is the only U.S. state flag with a field of green along with an image of an American president. Symbols of the State flower and State seal were selected even before the flag but were still adopted by the Legislature later.The state’s second symbol, selected as the state tree in 1947 was adopted by the legislature is the Western Hemlock. Olympic marmot that has been declared the state endemic mammal in 2009 is the newest adopted symbol of Washington. Washington Wizards jersey features the “Jumpman Logo” and the “statement” jersey will be the one that features Michael Jordan’s likeness.Washington’s latest buildings is the National Museum of the American Indian which was designed with the artistic contributions from many native groups. The building is curvilinear and five-story tall. It has been constructed to look like natural stone formations. Gold colored Kasota limestone was sourced from Minnesota to construct the exterior wall. There are acrylic prisms that capture the light beautifully. Other materials used in construction are bronze, granite, maple, copper, alder, and cedar.The state insect is the Green darner dragonfly which was accorded the status in the year 1997 after a proposal was put forth by students from more than 100 school districts of the state. This state insect is present throughout Washington and contributes considerably to the ecology of the state by consuming a large number of pests and insects.Washington State MammalThere is one thing that is quite surprising about the state of Washington when it comes to designating the official animal. They have a separate animal as the Washington state mammal! Yes, it is true that Washington has a state mammal.Here are some extremely exciting facts about the Washington state mammal.Washington state has its State Marine Mammal as well as State Endemic Mammal. In 2005, the legislature designated the Orcinus orca as the official mammal of Washington.It is a tourist attraction point and a significant symbol for Native American culture. Orca can be easily recognized because of their distinct markings and they migrate annually through Puget Sound.Following the proposal from fourth and fifth graders of Wedgwood School in Seattle, in 2009 the state endemic mamma was declared an Olympic marmot. Marmota Olympus inhabits the Olympic peninsula and lives in groups of dozens of animals. They identify each other by touching each other’s cheeks and noses. Olympic Marmots are easy to see during Summertime along the Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park.Washington State FishNow that you know about the official mammal of the state of Washington, it is time to know more about the Washington state fish. Here are some exciting facts to get you started.In 1969, the steelhead trout, an anadromous fish was adopted by the state’s legislature as the official Washington state fish.This fish is famous in Washington for recreational fishing. Recreational fishing is a major industry in Washington state that brings in a lot of revenue. The fish has two colors that are separated by a hint of opalescent pink.Washington State SongWhen we are talking about the Washington state, how can we not discuss the Washington state song. Read on to know more about the official song of the Washington state.‘Washington, My Home’ became the official state song in 1959 when a state senator from South Bend introduced a bill.It was written by Helen Davis and arranged by Stuart Churchill. The fact to be noted is that in 1909, the song ‘Washington Beloved’ was adopted by the state’s Legislature, the words of which were written by the historian, Professor Edmond while the music was written by Reginald de Koven.Washington State BirdIf you are an avian enthusiast, then you will certainly be interested in the Washington state bird. Like the rest of the US, Washington has also designated a bird as the official state bird. Which one is it? Well, read on to know more about this bird.Washington State bird is the Willow Goldfinch which is a delicate bird with a yellow body and black wings.Many birds were selected, but the Goldfinch eventually was adopted as the official state bird. Meadowlark was amongst those other chosen birds that were deeply considered, but the goldfinch won handily over it as meadowlark was already chosen by seven other states. The final choice was left to the school children by the legislature. These children voted for the goldfinch and the legislature made it unanimous.Washington State FlowerWho does not love flowers! Yes, as humans we can not help but marvel at the beauty of different flowers. As different flowers are found across different states in the US, most of the states have designated a state flower.So, when it comes to the Washington state, there is also an official Washington state flower. Continue reading to know more about it.Coast Rhododendron was selected as the Washington state flower by the women in 1892, this was when women had no voting rights. For the ladies, voting booths were set up throughout the state. As the World fair was to be held in Chicago in 1893 for which a State flower had to be adopted, six flowers were considered, but the voting took place over two flowers were clover and “Rhodie”. As per the ballots, the rhododendron was the clear winner and had been chosen as the Washington state flower. Then later in 1959, the Legislature designated Rhododendron macrophyllum, as the official flower of the state of Washington.There are various other State symbols that have been adopted by the Legislature. Some more of them are as follows.State Folk song: “Roll On, Columbia, Roll On” is an ode to the harnessing of Washington’s mightiest river and also is a folk song.State insect: common Green Darner Dragonfly, the idea of which was brought up to the Legislature by a group of Students at Crestwood Elementary School. The proposal to make Common green Darner Dragonfly as the state insect of Washington was also supported by students from 100 school districts across the state.State Seal: in 1889, jeweller Charles Talcott designed the first State seal of Washington using a silver dollar, an ink bottle, and a postage stamp.State Amphibian: Pacific chorus frog is the state Amphibian of Washington and was designated with this title in 2007.The Yakima River Valley in Eastern Washington is known for its apple trees and cherry crops. The state bird for Washington is the American Goldfinch. During the European settlement, the resolution of the territorial seal and treaty issues west to the Pacific was deferred until a later time. Columbian mammoth is the official state fossil for Washington.Washington state’s code is 509. The official designation of natural resources in Washington state is fertile soil and rich grasslands, hence also considered as the evergreen state of the pacific northwest. The Washington federation of animal care is something the state is proud of. Participation in the legislative process has been increased drastically for the state of Washington women. Washington newspapers are quite important for residents here to keep a track of daily activities and events across the region.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Washington symbols then why not take a look at George Washington symbols, or Christmas symbols for kids.
The Washington state was founded in 1853 and was formed from part of the Oregon Territory.