ALASKA STATE SYMBOLS
State Flag: The state flag, designed by a seventh grade Aleut orhpan from Seward, as part of a nationwide contest, was adopted by the Alaska Territorial Legislature in May, 1927. The blue background represents the Alaskan sky and the Forget-me-nots. Seven gold stars in the shape of the Big Dipper, part of the constellation Ursa Major, represent strength. The eighth gold star represents the North Star.
State Seal: Originally designed in 1910, the Alaska state seal celebrates Alaska’s many treasures and incorporates symbols of the state’s wealth, from the natural wonders of the northern lights, forests and dramatic landscapes to the railroads, mining, fishing and agriculture that support the state’s economy.
State Tree
The largest species of spruce, and the third tallest conifer species in the world, The Sitka Spruce grows in in southeastern and central Alaska.
State Fish:
Called King Salmon becuase of their size, the Alaska Chinook salmon, a popular sport fish, can weigh up to 100 pounds.
State Gem:
The official gemstone of Alaska, Jade is principally found in the Kobuk area in Northeast Alaska. A two-ton showpiece of this jade can also be found in Anchorage at the Anchorage Visitor’s Center in downtown Anchorage
State Mineral:
Named the state mineral in 1968, Gold has played an integral and vital role in the history of Alaska - a history that draws thousands of visitors to the last frontier each year.
State Sport:
Adopted as the state sport in 1972, dog mushing is a popular winter sport and was once the main form of transport across Alaska.
State Bird:
Willow Ptarmigan
State Insect:
Four-Spot Skimmer Dragonfly
State Flower:
The Forget-Me-Not is found throughout Alaska and is the inspiration for the blue backgorund of the Alaska flag.
State Motto:
Promoting Alaska as "the land of promise" the motto "North to the Future" was adopted in 1967 during the Alaska Purchase Centennial
State Song:
Adopted as Alaska's offical song in 1955, The Alaska Flag Song was written by Marie Drake and composed by Elinor Dusenbury
State Nickname:
The Great Land
State Capital:
Juneau is the only state capitalin the USA that is only accessible by plane or ship.
