The Commonwealth of Kentucky has 29 official state emblems, as well as other designated places and events. The majority are determined by acts of the Kentucky General Assembly and recorded in Title I, Chapter 2 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. The state's nickname – "The Bluegrass State" – is traditional, but has never been passed into law by the General Assembly. It does, however, appear on the state's license plates. Despite the nickname's popularity, the General Assembly has not designated bluegrass (or any other grass) as the official state grass.

The first symbol was the Seal of Kentucky, which was made official in 1792. The original seal also contained the future state motto. It served as the state's only emblem for over 130 years until the adoption of the state bird in 1926. Enacted by law in 2026, the newest symbols of Kentucky are the state amphibian, the eastern hellbender, the state dog, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, the state nongame mammal, the eastern spotted skunk, and the state mushroom, the indigo milkcap.

Insignia

Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceFlagThe Flag of KentuckyKentucky's flag has a navy blue field with the Seal of Kentucky in the middle.1928Latin mottoDeo gratiam habeamus "Let us be grateful to God"2002—MottoUnited we stand, divided we fall1942—NicknameThe Bluegrass StateThe bluegrass that grows in the state's pasture landTraditional—SealThe Seal of KentuckyKentucky's seal depicts two men embracing, the state motto and two sprigs of goldenrod.1792SloganKentucky Unbridled SpiritThe slogan alludes to Kentucky's reputation in horse racing and horse farms, as well as its production of whiskey.2004—

Species

Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceAmphibianEastern hellbenderCryptobranchus alleganiensisThe eastern hellbender is native to the eastern United States, including Kentucky, and is of the greatest conservation concern.2026BirdCardinalCardinalis cardinalisThe male cardinal is bright red and the female is brown and dull red. They live in Kentucky year-round.1926ButterflyViceroy butterflyLimenitis archippusViceroys are a Müllerian mimic to the monarchs which birds avoid eating because they are toxic and distasteful. The butterfly is usually found all over the state, except in mountainous areas, from April until November.1990DogTreeing Walker CoonhoundThe Treeing Walker Coonhound breed was developed by two breeders from Madison County in the 19th century through selective breeding of foxhounds.2026FishKentucky spotted bassMicropterus punctulatusSimilar to the largemouth bass, a common sporting fish that usually weighs up to .2005FlowerGoldenrodSolidago giganteaThe goldenrod has a yellow flower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It is also the state flower of Nebraska.1926FruitBlackberryRubus allegheniensisThis soft fruit is used to make jams, seedless jellies and wine.2004HorseThoroughbredEquus caballusA horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Over 30% of all U.S. thoroughbred births happen in Kentucky, more than any other state.1996InsectHoney beeApis melliferaOfficial state insect of seventeen states, including Kentucky.2010Nongame mammalEastern spotted skunkSpilogale putoriusThe eastern spotted skunk is native to much of the central and southern United States, including Kentucky, and is considered of high conservation concern.2026MushroomIndigo milkcapLactarius indigoThe indigo milkcap is a distinctive edible wild mushroom that is bright blue, recalling Kentucky's fame as the Bluegrass State. It makes ectomycorrhizal connections with the root tips of certain trees, trading key nutrients for sugars from the trees.2026TreeTulip poplarLiriodendron tulipiferaThe tulip tree is also called the yellow poplar. It has a distinctive leaf shape and yellow, bell-shaped flowers.1994Wild animal game speciesEastern gray squirrelSciurus carolinensisPredominantly gray fur but it can have a reddish, black or white color. It has a white underside and a large bushy tail.1968

Geology

Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceFossilBrachiopodBrachiopods are the most collected fossil in Kentucky. They resemble clams, but their top and bottom shell are not identical, and they do not burrow into the sand.1986GemstoneFreshwater pearlThe pearl is formed in several species of freshwater mussels. Originally found all over Kentucky, increased pollution, over-harvesting and damming of rivers have severely depleted the population of freshwater mussels.1986MineralCoalKentucky is the third leading state in coal production.1998RockKentucky agateAgate, a form of quartz, has varying shades of color arranged in layers of red, black, yellow, and gray.2000SoilCrider Soil SeriesThe Crider soils make up about in Kentucky. Most areas are used for crops or pasture for corn, small grain, soybeans, tobacco, and hay.1990

Cultural

Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceBeverageMilk2005Soft DrinkAle-8-OneKentucky House Bill 205 of the 2013 Regular Session signed by Governor (Acts Chapter 85) designated this regional, and historical citrus soda as a state symbol, the official soft drink of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.2013Bluegrass song"Blue Moon of Kentucky"by Bill MonroeKentucky native Bill Monroe wrote this song in 1947 and performed it soon thereafter. Elvis Presley sang the song when he auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry and later recorded it for his first single for Sun Records.1988DanceCloggingClogging in the southern U.S. has its roots from early settlers. English clogging, Irish jigs, African-American buck dance and Cherokee dance.2006GunThe Kentucky Long Rifle2013LanguageEnglishOver 95% of the state's residents are able to speak English.1984—LocomotiveLouisville & Nashville 152The oldest surviving 4-6-2 "Pacific", built in 1905. It is preserved at the Kentucky Railway Museum.2000MusicBluegrass music2007Musical instrumentAppalachian dulcimerA stringed instrument that appeared in the south in the early 19th century2001Silverware patternOld Kentucky Blue Grass-The Georgetown Pattern1996—Song"My Old Kentucky Home"The song describes life on a Kentucky plantation.1928Sports carChevrolet CorvetteSince 1981, the Chevrolet Corvette has been manufactured in Bowling Green.2010

See also

References

General

Specific