List of New York state symbols

This is a list of symbols of the state of New York in the United States. The majority of the state symbols are officially listed in the New York Consolidated Laws in Article 6, Sections 70 through 87. The symbols are recognized by these laws and were signed into law by the governor of New York.

The oldest symbols, the state flag and the state arms, were adopted in 1778. The most recent addition to the list, yogurt, was added in 2014. The origin of the state motto dates back to 1784. During a tour of the state's harbors, waterways, and fertile interior, George Washington referred to New York as the "Seat of Empire". The term "The Big Apple" was coined by jazz musicians of the 1930s who used the slang expression "apple" when referring to any city.

The state insect took nine years to become official. In 1980, fifth grader Kristina Savoca sent a letter – along with a petition bearing 152 signatures – to New York State Assemblyman Robert C. Wertz, urging him to introduce legislation designating the lady beetle as the official state insect. The proposal languished for a number of years, passing in the Assembly but not being considered in the Senate. Approval finally came in 1989, after Cornell University entomologists suggested that Wertz propose the nine-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella novemnotata, sometimes abbreviated to C-9) as the state insect because it was a native lady beetle.

Insignia

Type Symbol Year Image
Flag Flag of New York 1778
Seal Seal of New York 1778
Coat of arms The Coat of arms of New York
Motto Excelsior (Ever upward) 1784
Nickname The Empire State 1784
Slogan "I Love New York" (official) 1977


Type Symbol Year Image
Butterfly Red-spotted purple/white admiral
Limenitis arthemis
2008
Bird Eastern bluebird
Sialia sialis
1970
Dog Working dog 2015
Mammal North American beaver
Castor canadensis
1975
Reptile Snapping turtle
Chelydra serpentina
2006
Freshwater fish Brook trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
1975
Salt water fish Striped bass
Morone saxatilis
2006
Insect Nine-spotted ladybug
Coccinella novemnotata
1989
Tree Sugar maple
Acer saccharum
1956
Bush Lilac bush
Syringa vulgaris
2006
Flower Rose 1955

Geology

Type Symbol Year Image
Gemstone Garnet 1969
Fossil Sea scorpion
Eurypterus remipes
1984
Shell Scallop
Argopecten irradians
1988

Culture

Type Symbol Year Image
Beverage Milk 1981
Fruit Apple 1976
Muffin Apple muffin 1987
Snack Yogurt 2014

See also

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