Arizona State Symbols
What makes Arizona unique? The State has designated official symbols that represent the distinctive environment, heritage, and history of the Grand Canyon State.
State Amphibian: Arizona Tree Frog
State Anthem: “The Arizona March”, written by Margaret Rowe Clifford in 1915
and adopted in 1919
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Butterfly: Two-tailed Swallowtail
State Colors: Blue and gold
State Firearm: Colt Single Action Army Revolver ("Peacemaker")
State Fish: Apache Trout
State Flag: The state flag of Arizona "represents the copper star of Arizona rising from a blue field in the face of a setting sun" (Chapter 7, Session Laws of Arizona, 1917)
State Flower: Saguaro Blossom
State Fossil: Petrified Wood
State Gem: Turquoise
State Mammal: Ringtail
State Motto: “God Enriches” (“Ditat Deus”)
State Neckwear: Bola Tie
State Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
State Reptile: Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake
State Seal: Per the Arizona Department of State's "History of the Great Seal of the State of Arizona":
"The official seal is in black and white. In the background is a mountain range with the sun rising behind the peaks. At the right side of the range of mountains is a storage reservoir (a lake) and a dam. In the middle are irrigated fields and orchards. In the lower right side of the seal is [sic] grazing cattle. To the left, on a mountainside, is a quartz mill with a miner with a pick and shovel. Above the drawing is the motto "Ditat Deus," meaning "God Enriches." The words "Great Seal of the State of Arizona" and the year of admission to the United States, 1912, is [sic] written around the seal."
State Song: “Arizona” by Rex Allen Mitchell, 1981
State Tree: Palo Verde
"Arizona Secretary of State Kids Page." Arizona Secretary of State ~ Home Page. http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/kids/kids_state_symbols.htm (accessed February 25, 2013).
Fischer, Howard. "Lawmakers name state gun, adjourn.." Arizona Daily Star. April 21, 2011.
"History of the Great Seal of the State of Arizona." Arizona Department of State. www.azsos.gov/info/state_seal/history.htm (accessed February 25, 2013).
"The State of Arizona Flag." Arizona Secretary of State ~ Home Page. http://www.azsos.gov/info/Arizona_Flag/ (accessed February 25, 2013).