Kentucky boasts a stable full of surprisingly unique and representative symbols. It is first and foremost the Bluegrass State. Its famous nickname echoes through Kentucky’s official horse, the Thoroughbred, as well as its official bluegrass song and musical instrument, Blue Moon of Kentucky and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Kentucky’s miscellaneous symbols are a bit long-winded and include some stinkers, like milk and English (the official drink and language). However, milk is healthier than the drink celebrated at the official Bourbon Festival. And any Eastern state that can choose both an official fish and insect that are recognized by no other state deserves a salute.
Nicknames, Mottoes & Songs
Kentucky’s nicknames are a bit provocative, even morbid. The nickname Dark and Bloody Ground recalls the battles that were fought between white settlers and soldiers and Native Americans. Few parents would want their children to swear allegiance to the Tobacco State or the Hemp State. So it isn’t surprising that the nickname Bluegrass State has emerged as Kentucky’s most popular nickname, even if it sometimes seems as if it was stolen by neighboring Tennessee, America’s country and bluegrass music capital.
Kentucky boasts one of the most beloved state mottoes: United we stand, divided we fall. It is one of the few states with a second official motto. Deo gratiam habeamus translates “Let us be grateful to God.” Ironically, it was adopted in 2002, shortly after George W. Bush was “elected” President.
Few state songs are more beloved than My Old Kentucky Home. Kentucky also has an official bluegrass song, Blue Moon of Kentucky.
Plants
Kentucky shares its official flower, the goldenrod, with Alabama and Nebraska. However, Kentucky commemorates its favorite blossom with a wreath of goldenrod on the state flag.
The tulip poplar is the official tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. The blackberry is the official fruit of both Kentucky and Alabama.
Animals
Kentucky/Introduction is one of seven states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia) that make the cardinal the most popular state bird. However, Kentucky was the first to adopt the cardinal (1926). In addition, the likeness of the cardinal appears atop staffs carrying the state flag.
Kentucky/Introduction is one of seventeen states with two or more official mammals. The gray squirrel was designated the official Wild Animal Game Species, while the Thoroughbred is Kentucky’s state horse.
Only Kentucky recognizes the Kentucky spotted bass and viceroy butterfly as state fish and insect. Kentucky calls the freshwater pearl its official gemstone. (Neighboring Tennessee designated the Tennessee pearl its official gem.)
Earth Symbols
Kentucky/Introduction is one of ten states and provinces (Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee and Nova Scotia) that have adopted agates as official symbols. Kentucky chose the Kentucky agate.
Coal is Kentucky’s official mineral and Utah’s official rock.
The clam-like brachiopod is Kentucky’s state fossil. Though not one of the more colorful state fossils, it is among the oldest.
Miscellaneous Symbols
Kentucky has about twenty miscellaneous symbols, many of which can be categorized under the arts. Others are more redundant; Kentucky/Introduction is one of two dozen states that call English their official language.
One of the more interesting symbols is the Old Kentucky Blue Grass Silverware Pattern. Also worth noting are the official covered bridge and the Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky.
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