List of Kansas state symbols facts for kids
Every state in the United States has special symbols that represent its history, nature, and people. These symbols help tell the story of the state and what makes it unique. Kansas, often called the "Sunflower State," has many interesting symbols, from its official flag to its state animal and even its state fossil! Let's explore some of the cool symbols that represent Kansas.
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Kansas State Symbols
The Kansas Flag and Seal
The official flag of Kansas was adopted in 1927. It features a dark blue background with the Great Seal of the State of Kansas in the center. Above the seal, there's a sunflower, which is the state flower. Below the seal, the word "Kansas" is written. The seal itself shows a landscape with a steamboat, a wagon train, a farmer, and a herd of buffalo, representing the state's history and agriculture.
Animals of Kansas
Kansas has several official animal symbols that show its diverse wildlife.
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
The Western meadowlark became the state bird in 1937. This beautiful bird is known for its bright yellow belly and a distinctive black "V" on its chest. You can often hear its cheerful, flute-like song across the open fields of Kansas.
State Animal: American Buffalo
In 1955, the American buffalo (also called bison) was chosen as the state animal. These massive, powerful animals once roamed the plains of Kansas in huge herds. They are a symbol of the American West and the wild spirit of the state.
State Insect: Honeybee
The honeybee was named the state insect in 1976. Honeybees are super important because they help pollinate many plants, including crops, which means they help grow the food we eat! They are also known for making delicious honey.
State Reptile: Ornate Box Turtle
The Ornate box turtle became the state reptile in 1986. This small turtle has a beautiful domed shell with yellow patterns. It's a land turtle, meaning it lives on land rather than in water, and is often found in grasslands.
State Amphibian: Barred Tiger Salamander
In 1994, the Barred tiger salamander was named the state amphibian. These salamanders are known for their dark bodies with bright yellow or greenish-yellow stripes or spots. They live underground for much of their lives and come out during wet weather.
State Fish: Channel Catfish
The Channel catfish became the state fish in 2018. This popular fish is found in many rivers and lakes across Kansas. It's known for its smooth skin, long whiskers (called barbels), and is a favorite for fishing.
Plants of Kansas
Kansas is home to many unique plants, and some have become official state symbols.
State Flower: Wild Native Sunflower
The wild native Sunflower was chosen as the state flower in 1903. Kansas is famous for its vast fields of sunflowers, which turn towards the sun throughout the day. They are a bright and cheerful symbol of the state.
State Tree: Cottonwood
The cottonwood tree became the state tree in 1937. These large trees grow quickly and are often found along rivers and streams. They provide shade and homes for many animals.
State Grass: Little Bluestem
In 2010, Little bluestem was named the state grass. This native prairie grass is very important to the Kansas ecosystem. It helps prevent soil erosion and provides food and shelter for wildlife.
State Fruit: Sandhill Plum
The Sandhill plum was chosen as the state fruit in 2022. These small, tart plums grow wild in sandy areas of Kansas and are often used to make jellies and jams.
Kansas Fossils
Kansas has a rich history of ancient life, and some amazing fossils have been found there!
State Marine Fossil: Tylosaurus
The Tylosaurus became the state marine fossil in 2014. This was a massive, fierce marine reptile that lived in the ancient seas that once covered Kansas millions of years ago. It looked a bit like a giant lizard with powerful jaws.
State Flying Fossil: Pteranodon
Also in 2014, the Pteranodon was named the state flying fossil. This incredible creature was a large flying reptile, not a dinosaur, with a wingspan that could be as wide as a small airplane! It soared over the ancient Kansas seas.
State Land Fossil: Silvisaurus condrayi
The Silvisaurus condrayi became the state land fossil in 2023. This dinosaur was a type of armored dinosaur, meaning it had bony plates on its body for protection. Its name means "forest lizard."
Other Kansas Symbols
Kansas also has other symbols that represent its culture and geology.
State Song: Home on the Range
"Home on the Range" became the official state song in 1947. This famous cowboy song describes the beauty of the American West, with its buffalo, deer, and wide-open spaces. It perfectly captures the spirit of Kansas.
State Motto: Ad astra per aspera
The state motto of Kansas is Ad astra per aspera. This is a Latin phrase that means "To the stars through difficulties." It reminds people that even when things are tough, you can achieve great things by working hard and looking towards a brighter future.
State Soil: Harney Silt Loam
The Harney silt loam was named the state soil in 1990. This type of soil is very fertile and important for growing crops in Kansas, especially wheat.
State Rock, Mineral, and Gemstone
In 2018, Kansas adopted three geological symbols:
- The state rock is Greenhorn Limestone.
- The state mineral is Galena.
- The state gemstone is Jelinite, a type of amber found in the state.
State Wine Grapes
Kansas even has official state wine grapes!
- The state red wine grape is Chambourcin (2019).
- The state white wine grape is Vignoles (2019).
These symbols help tell the story of Kansas, from its ancient past to its natural beauty and the hard work of its people.
Images for kids
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Location of the state of Kansas in the United States of America
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The flag of the state of Kansas
