Symbols & Traditions

Here you will find Kentucky's state symbols and when each was adopted by the state. With traditions, history, outdoors, and the beauty that Kentucky offers, there is plenty for everyone to explore and encounter.  State Language: English, adopted 1984 (KRS 2.013) State Seal, adopted 1942 (KRS 2.020) State Motto: "United We Stand, Divided We Fall," adopted 1942 Official Latin Motto: "Deo gratiam habeamus" (Let us be grateful to God"), adopted 2002 (KRS 2.105) State Flag, adopted 1962 (KRS 2.030) Pledge of Allegiance to State Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the Sovereign State for which it stands, one Commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, and grace from on High." Adopted 2000 (KRS 2.035) State Bird: Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted 1926 (KRS 2.080) State Fossil: Brachiopod, adopted 1986 (KRS 2.082) State Butterfly: Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus), adopted 1990 (KRS 2.083) State Wild Animal Game Species: Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), adopted 1968 (KRS 2.085) State Horse: Thoroughbred (Equus caballus), adopted 1996 (KRS 2.087) State Fish: Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956 State Fruit: Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), adopted 2004 (KRS 2.089) State Drink: Milk, adopted 2005 (KRS 2.084) State Flower: Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), adopted 1926 (KRS 2.090) State Rock: Kentucky Agate, adopted 2000 (KRS 2.091) State Gemstone: Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986 (KRS 2.092) State Soil: Crider Soil Series, adopted 1990 (KRS2.093) State Mineral: Coal, adopted 1998 (KRS 2.094) State Tree: Tulip Poplar (Lirodendroan tulipifera), adopted 1994 (KRS 2.095) State Musical Instrument: Appalachian Dulcimer, adopted 2001 (KRS 2.103) State Song: "My Old Kentucky Home" - modern version, adopted 1986/1988 (KRS 2.100) State Bluegrass Song: "Blue Moon of Kentucky," adopted 1988 (KRS 2.100) State Music: Bluegrass Music, adopted 2007 State Dance: Clogging, adopted 2006 (KRS 2.101) State Silverware Pattern: "Old Kentucky Blue Grass, The Georgetown Pattern," adopted 1996 (KRS 2.300) State Arboretum: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, adopted 1994 (KRS 2.096) State Botanical Garden: University of Kentucky Arboretum, adopted 2000 (KRS 2.097) State Honey Festival: Clarkson Honeyfest, adopted 2006 (KRS 2.099) State Science Center: Louisville Science Center, adopted 2002 (KRS 2.098) State Outdoor Musical: "The Stephen Foster Story," adopted 2002 (KRS 2.107) State Theatre Pipe Organ: Kentucky Theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, adopted 2005 (KRS 2.104) Official Center for Celebration of African American Heritage: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in Louisville, adopted 2002 (KRS 2.109) State Amphitheater: Iroquis Amphitheater, adopted 2001 (KRS 2.225) State Tug-of-War Championship: The Fordsville (Ohio County) Tug-of-War Championship, adopted 1990 (KRS 2.260) Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky: Fleming County, adopted 1998 (KRS 2.270) Official Covered Bridge of Kentucky: Switzer Covered Bridge (Franklin County), adopted 1998 (KRS 2.270) Official Steam Locomotive of Kentucky: "Old 152," adopted 2000 (KRS 2.280) Official Pipe Band: Louisville Pipe Band, adopted 2000 State Bourbon Festival: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Incorporated, of Bardstown, Kentucky, adopted 2000 (KRS 2.400) For more Kentucky symbols and information, click here.