List of Arkansas state symbols facts for kids

Where the state of Arkansas is on the map of the United States

The state of Arkansas has many special symbols that represent it. These symbols help tell the story of Arkansas's history, nature, and culture. They are chosen by the state government to show what makes Arkansas unique and special.

Arkansas has several official songs. The main one is called "Arkansas". It's the official state anthem. Even though there are other state songs, if someone asks for "the state song," they will always get the music for "Arkansas." This is done to make sure "Arkansas" stays important.

Official State Symbols

These are the main symbols that represent Arkansas. They include the flag, seal, and motto.

Type	Symbol	What it Means	Year Chosen	Image	Source
State Flag	The Flag of Arkansas	This flag has a red background with a large white diamond in the middle. The diamond has 25 stars around it, showing Arkansas was the 25th state to join the USA. Inside the diamond, there's the word "ARKANSAS" and a blue border with 13 stars.	1913
State Seal	The Great Seal of the State of Arkansas	The state seal is used on official documents. It shows an eagle holding a scroll with the state motto. There's also a shield with a steamboat, a plow, and a beehive, representing different parts of Arkansas's economy and history.	1864
State Anthem	"Arkansas" by Eva Ware Barnett	This is the official state song, recognized by state law.	1987	—
Historical Song	"The Arkansas Traveler" by Sandford C. Faulkner	This song is also officially recognized by state law and tells a story about a traveler in Arkansas.	1987	—
State Motto	Regnat Populus "The People Rule"	This Latin phrase means "The People Rule." It shows that the people of Arkansas have the power in their government.	1907	—
State Song	"Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)" by Wayland Holyfield	Another song officially recognized by state law.	1987	—
State Song	"Oh, Arkansas" by Terry Rose and Gary Klass	This song is also officially recognized by state law.	1987	—

Nature and Culture Symbols

Arkansas has many symbols that represent its natural beauty and cultural traditions.

Type	Symbol	What it Means	Year Chosen	Image	Source
State American Folk Dance	Square dance	Square dancing is a traditional folk dance where groups of four couples dance together in a square formation. It's a fun and social activity.	1991
State Beverage	Milk	Milk is a healthy drink and an important product in Arkansas's farming industry.	1985
State Bird	Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos	The mockingbird is known for its amazing ability to imitate the songs of other birds. You can hear many different bird calls from just one mockingbird!	1929
State Butterfly	Diana fritillary butterfly Speyeria diana	This beautiful butterfly is found in Arkansas. The males are orange and black, while the females are blue and black.	2007
State Floral Emblem	Apple blossom Pyrus malus	The delicate apple blossom is the flower of the apple tree. It blooms in spring and represents new life and beauty.	1901
State Fruit and Vegetable	South Arkansas vine ripe pink tomato Solanum lycopersicum	Arkansas officially calls the tomato both a fruit and a vegetable! This is because botanically, it's a fruit (it has seeds), but in cooking, it's used like a vegetable.	1987
State Gem	Diamond	Diamonds are very rare and valuable gemstones. Arkansas is famous for its Crater of Diamonds State Park, where people can search for real diamonds.	1967
State Grain	Rice Oryza sp.	Rice is a very important crop grown in Arkansas, especially in the eastern part of the state. It's used in many foods around the world.	2007
State Grape	Cynthiana grape Vitis aestivalis	This type of grape is native to North America and is used to make wine.	2009
State Historic Cooking Vessel	Dutch oven	A Dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot, usually made of cast iron, used for slow cooking. It was very important for pioneers and campers.	2001
State Insect	Honey bee Apis mellifera	Honey bees are important for pollinating plants and making honey. They play a big role in agriculture.	1973
State Mammal	White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus	The white-tailed deer is a common and graceful animal found throughout Arkansas's forests.	1993
State Mineral	Quartz	Quartz is a very common mineral found in rocks. Arkansas is known for its beautiful quartz crystals.	1967
State Musical Instrument	Fiddle	The fiddle is a string instrument, similar to a violin, often used in folk and country music. It's a key part of traditional Arkansas music.	1985
State Nut	Pecan Carya illinoinensis	Pecans are tasty nuts that grow on trees. They are used in many desserts and snacks.	2009
State Primitive Fish	Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula	The alligator gar is a large, ancient fish with a long snout and sharp teeth, resembling an alligator. It lives in the waters of Arkansas.	2019
State Rock	Bauxite	Bauxite is a rock that is the main source of aluminum. Arkansas was once a major producer of bauxite.	1967
State Soil	Stuttgart soil series	This specific type of soil is very important for farming in Arkansas, especially for growing rice.	1997
State Tree	Pine tree either Pinus taeda or Pinus echinata	Pine trees are very common in Arkansas and are important for the state's timber industry.	1939

Other Symbols

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  The special quarter made for Arkansas

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  The USS Arkansas (CGN-41), a ship named after the state

See Also

• List of Arkansas-related topics
• Lists of United States state insignia
• State of Arkansas