Click in any state or the USA picture for more information.
Capital :
Abbreviation :
Alabama
Y
Montgomery
AL
Ø
601
1
• Official name: State of Alabama (name of Indian tribe).
• Admitted: December 14, 1819--22nd State.
• Pop(1985): 4,021,000 rank-22.
• Area: 51,705 sq. mi. rank-29.
• High pt: 2,407 ft., Cheaha Mt., in the Talladega National Forest.
• Low pt: Sea level, Gulf of Mexico.
• Nickname: Heart of Dixie.
• Motto: We dare to defend our rights.
• Bird: Yellowhammer.
• Dance: Square dance.
• Fish: Tarpon.
• Flower: Camellia.
• Fossil: Species Basilosaurus cetoides.
• Gamebird: Wild turkey.
• Mineral: Hematite (red iron ore).
• Nut: Pecan.
• Song: Alabama.
• Stone: Marble.
• Tree: Southern (longleaf) pine.
Alabama has many things to offer visitors. The first Confederate White House is located in Montgomery, the site of Jefferson Davis’ inauguration as President of the Confederacy. The Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville draws thousands of tourists every year. The George Washington Carver Agricultural Museum is in Alabama as is the Tuskegee Institute. One of Alabama’s many natural wonders is the Russell Cave National Monument. For those who like the outdoors Alabama has rivers, lakes, mountains and the Gulf Shore to enjoy.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
State Department of Public Health
Montgomery, AL 36130
¶Alaska
Y
Juneau
AK
Ø
602
1
• Official name: State of Alaska (Aleut: great land).
• Admitted: January 3, 1959--49th State.
• Pop(1985): 521,000 rank-49.
• Area: 591,004 rank-1.
• High pt: 20,320 ft., Mt. McKinley; also the highest point in North America.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Land of the Midnight Sun.
• Motto: North to the future.
• Bird: Willow ptarmigan.
• Fish: King salmon.
• Flower: Forget-me-not.
• Gem: Jade.
• Marine mammal: Bowhead whale.
• Mineral: Gold.
• Song: Alaska’s Flag.
• Sport: Dog mushing.
• Tree: Sitka spruce.
For nature-lovers Alaska is a wonderland. Cruises along Alaska’s southern coast are very popular. Alaska is a favorite destination for hunters from all over the world for bear, elk and fowl that roam the mountains and forests. Fishermen also come to Alaska for salmon and for salt-water fishing. Alaska has many exotic animal species such as polar bears, seals, walruses, and reindeer. Anthropologists come to Alaska to visit and observe Eskimo villages. Juneau, the state capital, is located in the scenic “pan-handle” region of the state and can only be reached by boat or airplane. Sitka, in the pan-handle, was the capital of the original Russian colony and is famous for St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, recently restored. Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park are two of many wilderness reserves in Alaska.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Department of Health and Social Services
Pouch H-01G
Juneau, AK 99811
¶Arizona
Y
Phoenix
AZ
Ø
603
1
• Official name: State of Arizona (Papago: little spring).
• Admitted: February 14, 1912--48th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,187,000 rank-27.
• Area: 114,000 sq. mi. rank-6.
• High pt: 12,670 ft., Humphrey’s Peak, north of Flagstaff.
• Low pt: 100 ft., Colorado River, near Yuma.
• Nickname: Grand Canyon State.
• Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches).
• Bird: Cactus wren.
• Flower: Blossom of the saguaro cactus.
• Gemstone: Turquoise.
• Mineral: Copper.
• Songs: Arizona, Arizona March Song.
• Tree: Palo verde.
Arizona is the site of many world famous natural wonders. Most famous of all is the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in the northwest corner of the state. The Painted Desert is one of Arizona’s most frequented sites. Likewise, Meteor Crater and the Petrified Forest draw thousands of tourists. Arizona has several Indian reservations for those who wish to sample Native American culture. Phoenix is a large metropolitan area with many cultural attractions. A novelty open to the public is London Bridge, transported from England to Havasu City, Arizona.
Vital Records Section
Arizona Department of Health Services
P.O. Box 3887
Phoenix, AZ 85030
¶Arkansas
Y
Little Rock
AR
Ø
604
1
• Official name: State of Arkansas (Sioux: south-wind people).
• Admitted: June 15,1836--25th State.
• Pop(1985): 2,359,000 rank-33.
• Area: 53,187 sq. mi. rank-27.
• High pt: 2,823 ft., Magazine Mt., in the Ouachita Mountains.
• Low pt: 55 ft., Ouachita River.
• Nickname: Land of Opportunity.
• Motto: Regnat populus (The people rule).
• Bird: Mockingbird.
• Flower: Apple blossom.
• Gem: Diamond.
• Mineral: Bauxite.
• Song: Arkansas.
• Tree: Pine.
Arkansas is a state of great natural beauty that is often overlooked as a vacation destination. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountain Ranges are dotted with parks and arts-and-crafts shops. Hot Springs National Park is famous for its scenery as well as the invigorating effects of its spring baths. Eureka Springs, in the northwestern corner of the state, is also a popular resort. Crater of Diamonds, near Murfreesboro, is the only diamond mine in the United States. The White River of North Arkansas is noted for excellent trout fishing, while the nearby Buffalo River is a favorite spot for white-water canoeing. The Ozark Folk Center is a magnet for those interested in the culture peculiar to the region.
Division of Vital Records
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
¶California
Y
Sacramento
CA
Ø
605
1
• Official name: State of California (name of island in Las Sergas de Esplandian).
• Admitted: September 9, 1850--31st State.
• Pop(1985): 26,365,000 rank-1.
• Area: 158,706 sq. mi. rank-3.
• High pt: 14,494 ft., Mt. Whitney, in the Sierra Nevadas.
• Low pt: 282 ft. below sea level, in Death Valley.
• Nickname: Golden State.
• Motto: Eureka (I have found it).
• Animal: California grizzly bear.
• Bird: California valley quail.
• Fish: California golden trout.
• Flower: Golden poppy.
• Fossil: Saber-toothed cat.
• Gemstone: Benitoite.
• Insect: California dog-faced butterfly.
• Marine mammal: California gray whale.
• Mineral: Gold.
• Reptile: California desert tortoise.
• Song: I Love You, California.
• Stone: Serpentine.
California has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the United States. California has mountains, forests, deserts, beaches, and three major cities; something for everyone. Yosemite National Park is a vast wilderness preserve open to visitors. Lake Tahoe is noted for its natural beauty as much as for the quality of the many resorts there. Tourists brave the heat every year to marvel at the landscapes of the Mojave Desert. Sequoia National Park contains the giant trees that may be the oldest living things on Earth. Fisherman’s Wharf is one of many attractions that bring people to San Francisco from all over the globe. Disneyland and Hollywood in Los Angeles, and Sea World and the San Diego Zoo are world famous.
Vital Statistics Section
Department of Health Services
410 N St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
¶Colorado
Y
Denver
CO
Ø
606
1
• Official name: State of Colorado (Spanish: red).
• Admitted: August 1, 1876--38th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,231,000 rank-26.
• Area: 104,091 sq. mi. rank-8.
• High pt: 14,433 ft., Mt Elbert.
• Low pt: 3,350 ft., Arkansas River.
• Nickname: Centennial State.
• Motto: Nil sine numine (Nothing without providence).
• Animal: Rocky Mountain bighornsheep.
• Bird: Lark bunting.
• Flower: Columbine.
• Stone: Aquamarine.
• Song: Where the Columbines Grow.
• Tree: Colorado blue spruce.
Colorado is a state full of natural beauty. Of the many wonders in Colorado,the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, the Garden of the Gods, and the Black Canyon are among the most visited. Pike’s Peak, first discovered by explorer Zebulon Pike, offers a grand vista from which several states can be seen. Nearby Colorado Springs, is the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic Center. Mesa Verde, in the southwest corner of the state, is the site of cliff-dwellings of the mysteriously departed Anasazi Indians. Silverton, a restored mining town, can be reached by a scenic, cliff-side train ride from Durango. Colorado is famous for its skiing at such renowned resorts as Aspen and Vale. Denver, Colorado’s capital, is a large city with many tourist attractions.
Vital Records Section
Colorado Department of Health
4210 E. 11th Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
¶Connecticut
Y
Hartford
CT
Ø
607
1
• Official name: State of Connecticut (Mohican: long river place).
• Admitted: January 9, 1788--5th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,174,000 rank-28.
• Area: 5,018 sq. mi. rank-48.
• High pt: 2,380 ft., Mt. Frissell, in Salisbury.
• Low pt: Sea level, Long Island Sound.
• Nickname: Constitution State.
• Motto: Qui transtulit sustenet (He who transplanted still sustains).
• Animal: Sperm whale.
• Bird: American robin.
• Flower: Mountain laurel.
• Gemstone: Garnet.
• Hero: Nathan Hale.
• Insect: Praying mantis.
• Ship: U.S.S. Nautilus.
• Song: Yankee Doodle.
• Tree: White oak.
Connecticut has a wide variety of sights for visitors to enjoy. Mark Twain’s house in Hartford is open for the public to tour. The P.T. Barnum Museum contains many relics of the strange and unusual acts that preformed in the great show-masters circus. Those interested in Connecticut’s great naval tradition will not be disappointed. The U.S.S. Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, is on display at Groton, where many of the Navy’s submarines are based. Mystic Seaworld is a more family oriented attraction. Hartford, the state capital, is one of the oldest towns in New England and has many small shops and historic landmarks.
Vital Records Section
Division of Health Statistics
State Department of Health Services
150 Washington St.
Hartford, CT 06106
¶Delaware
Y
Dover
DE
Ø
608
1
• Official name: State of Delaware (after Lord De La Warr).
• Admitted: December 7, 1787--1st State.
• Pop(1985): 622,000 rank-47.
• Area: 2,045 sq. mi. rank-49.
• High pt: 440 ft., at Centreville, northwest of Wilmington.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: First State.
• Motto: Liberty and independence.
• Bird: Blue hen chicken.
• Fish: Weakfish.
• Flower: Peach blossom.
• Insect: Ladybug.
• Mineral: Stillimanite.
• Song: Our Delaware.
• Tree: American holly.
Among the most interesting sights in Delaware is Fort Christina, site of the the first settlement of the colony of New Sweden, founded in the 1630s. The DuPonts are the state’s leading family and over the years some mansions they have built have been donated to the state. Henry Francis DuPont’s Winterthur, one of these grand mansions, is open to the public. The Dover Downs Speedway is a favorite of racing fans. Delaware has many miles of scenic beaches along the Atlantic Coast.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Division of Public Health
Robbins Bldg.
P.O. Box 637
Dover, DE 19901
¶Florida
Y
Tallahassee
FL
Ø
609
1
• Official name: State of Florida (Spanish: flowery).
• Admitted: March 3, 1845--27th State.
• Pop(1985): 11,366,000 rank-6.
• Area: 58,664 sq. mi. rank-22.
• High pt: 345 ft., in Walton County.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Sunshine State.
• Motto: In God we trust.
• Beverage: Orange juice.
• Bird: Mockingbird.
• Flower: Orange blossom.
• Freshwater fish: Florida large-mouth bass.
• Gem: Moonstone.
• Marine mammal: Porpoise.
• Saltwater fish: Atlantic sailfish.
• Saltwater Mammal: Dolphin.
• Shell: Conch.
• Song: Old Folks at Home.
• Stone: Agatized coral.
• Tree: Sabal palmetto palm.
Florida is a state that receives many thousands of visitors every year. Walt Disney World, and its Epcot Center, located near Orlando is a famous resort. Orlando is also the home of Seaworld of Florida. Florida’s beaches, from Jacksonville down the Atlantic Coast, to Miami, are common destinations for tourists. Bustling Miami and its Little Havana are exciting to visit. The Florida Keys, especially Key West, the one-time home of Ernest Hemingway, are favorites of fishermen and beach-lovers. The Florida Everglades is an immense preserve for marsh wildlife. Seminole Indians can still be found there. St. Augustine is the site of the first European colony in the United States. Daytona is noted for both its auto-racing and for the annual spring-break pilgrimage made there by the nation’s college students. Nearby Cape Canaveral is the home of the Kennedy Space Center.
Office of Vital Statistics
Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231
¶Georgia
Y
Atlanta
GA
Ø
610
1
• Official name: State of Georgia (after George II of England).
• Admitted: January 2, 1788--4th State.
• Pop (1985): 5,976,000 rank-11.
• Area: 58,910 sq. mi. rank-21.
• High pt: 4,784 ft., Brasstown Balk, in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Empire State of the South.
• Motto: Wisdom, justice, and moderation.
• Bird: Brown thrasher.
• Fish: Large-mouth bass.
• Flower: Cherokee rose.
• Song: Georgia On My Mind.
• Tree: Live oak.
Georgia has many attractions for tourists to enjoy. The “Little White House” in Warm Springs was the favorite place of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and was the site of his death in 1945. Stone Mountain in North Georgia has a remarkable giant statue of the leaders of the Confederacy. Atlanta is the home of a plethora of cultural events as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site. Savannah, the oldest city in the state, has a scenic river-front and one of the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Georgia has wonderful lakes and forests for outdoorsmen. The Chickamauga National Military Park is in Northwest Georgia. Southern Georgia is the home of the Okeefenokee National Forest.
Vital Records Unit
Georgia Department of Human Resources
47 Trinity Ave., S.W., Rm. 217-H
Atlanta, GA 30334
¶Hawaii
Y
Honolulu
HI
Ø
611
1
• Official name: State of Hawaii (homeland).
• Admitted: August 21, 1959--50th State.
• Pop(1985): 1,059,000 rank-39.
• Area: 6,741 sq. mi. rank-47.
• High pt: 13,796 ft., Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii.
• Low pt: Sea level, all islands.
• Nickname: Aloha State.
• Motto: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness).
• Bird: Hawaiian goose.
• Fish: Humuhumunukunukupuaa.
• Flower: Hibiscus.
• Song: Hawaii Ponoi.
• Tree: Candlenut.
Hawaii is one of the most interesting and most visited of all the United States. Hawaii’s unique Polynesian heritage and its beautiful island scenery are the chief attractions. The volcanoes of Hawaii, (Mauna Loa and Muana Kea among others), offer a view of great natural spectacle. Hawaii’s beaches, such as Waikiki Beach near Honolulu , are among the highest regarded in the world. The waves of Oahu’s North Shore are said to offer the best surfing in the world. The ancient City of Refuge, on the main island, was a place for women and children to seek haven during wars. In Pearl Harbor the U.S.S. Arizona is a National Monument to the casualties of the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
Research and Statistics Office
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
¶Idaho
Y
Boise
ID
Ø
612
1
• Official name: State of Idaho (Shoshone: sun coming down mountain).
• Admitted: July 3, 1890--43rd State.
• Pop(1985): 1,005,000 rank-40.
• Area: 83,564 sq. mi. rank-13.
• High pt: 12,662 ft., Borah Peak, in the Lost River Range.
• Low pt: 710 ft., Snake River.
• Nickname: Gem State.
• Motto: Esto perpetua (Let it be perpetual).
• Bird: Mountain bluebird.
• Flower: Syringa.
• Gemstone: Idaho star garnet.
• Horse: Appaloosa.
• Song: Here We Have Idaho.
• Tree: Western white pine.
Idaho is mostly known for its potatoes but the state contains many natural wonders. Hell’s Canyon and Crater of the Moon are awe-inspiring sights. Lava Hot Springs is an attraction that draws visitors to Idaho. Among Idaho’s many fine lakes is the Lake Couer d’Alene, which offers a wide variety of recreational activities to tourists. Idaho has great hunting and fishing for outdoorsmen to enjoy. Hikers and mountain climbers make the most of Idaho’s Rocky Mountains.
Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standards, and Local Health Services
State Department of Health and Welfare
State House
Boise, ID 83720
¶Illinois
Y
Springfield
IL
Ø
613
1
• Official name: State of Illinois (Algonquian: man).
• Admitted: December 3, 1818--21st State.
• Pop(1985): 11,535,000 rank-5.
• Area: 56,345 sq. mi. rank-24.
• High pt: 1,235 ft., Charles Mound, on the Wisconsin border in Jo Daviess County.
• Low pt: 279 ft., Mississippi River.
• Nickname: Prairie State.
• Motto: State sovereignty -- national union.
• Animal: White-tailed deer.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Flower: Native violet.
• Insect: Monarch butterfly.
• Mineral: Fluorite.
• Song: Illinois.
• Tree: White oak.
Illinois is often nicknamed the Land of Lincoln, and the monuments to Abraham Lincoln in Springfield are visited by thousands each year. The restored Mormon settlement at Nauvoo is an interesting historical site. The Dickson Mounds Museum explores the mystery of the Indian mound builders of the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. Chicago is renowned throughout the world as a home of cultural and sporting events. Many museums are open to the public in Chicago.
Office of Vital Records
State Department of Public Health
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761
¶Indiana
Y
Indianapolis
IN
Ø
614
1
• Official name: State of Indiana (land of Indians).
• Admitted: December 11, 1816--19th State.
• Pop(1985): 5,499,000 rank-14.
• Area: 36,185 rank-38.
• High pt: 1,257 ft., near Bethel in Wayne County.
• Low pt: 320 ft., Ohio River.
• Nickname: Hoosier State.
• Motto: Crossroads of America.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Flower: Peony.
• Poem: Indiana.
• Song: On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away.
• Stone: Limestone.
• Tree: Tulip poplar.
Indiana has many interesting sights and wildlife areas. Hoosier National Park has many recreational activities for visitors. There is a memorial to General George Rogers Clark, the Revolutionary War hero who cleared the area of the British. Indiana Dunes is a popular tourist attraction. The home of President Benjamin Harrison is in Indiana. Indianapolis is a large city where many cultural events take place, such as the Indianapolis 500 championship auto-race.
Division of Vital Records
State Board of Health
1330 W. Michigan S.
P.O. Box 1964
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1964
¶Iowa
Y
Des Moines
IA
Ø
615
1
• Official name: State of Iowa (Sioux: beautiful land).
• Admitted: December 28, 1846--29th State.
• Pop(1985): 2,884,000 rank-29.
• Area: 56,275 sq. mi. rank-25.
• High pt: 1,670 ft., in Osceola County.
• Low pt: 480 ft., Mississippi River.
• Nickname: Hawkeye State.
• Motto: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.
• Bird: Eastern goldfinch.
• Flower: Wild rose.
• Song: The Song of Iowa.
• Stone: Geode.
• Tree: Oak.
There are plenty of attractions in Iowa for visitors to experience. The Boone Valley Railroad is a historical site devoted to the pioneer era railways. President Herbert Hoover was born in Iowa and his childhood home is preserved. The Hoover Presidential Library is in Iowa also. Effigy Mounds National Monument is a tribute to the ancient Indian mound builders. Iowa has excellent hunting and fishing to offer outdoorsmen.
Vital Records Section
Iowa State Department of Health
Lucas State Office Bldg.
Des Moines, IA 50319
¶Kansas
Y
Topeka
KS
Ø
616
1
• Official name: State of Kansas (Sioux: south-wind-people).
• Admitted: January 29, 1861--34th State.
• Pop(1985): 2,450,000 rank-32.
• Area: 82,277 sq. mi. rank-14.
• High pt: 4,039 ft., Mt. Sunflower, on the western border.
• Low pt: 680 ft., Verdigris River.
• Nickname: Sunflower State.
• Motto: Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through difficulties).
• Animal: American buffalo.
• Bird: Western meadowlark.
• Flower: Native sunflower.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Song: Home on the Range.
• Tree: Cottonwood.
Among the many attractions Kansas offers to visitors is the Eisenhower Center in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s hometown of Abilene. The Cowtown historical area in Wichita is of interest to those with a desire to learn about the Old West in the days of the great cattle drives. One of the state’s biggest tourist draws is the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Discovery Center. Kansas has abundant wildlife for hunting, fishing, or simply watching.
Office of Vital Statistics
Kansas State Department of Health and Environment
Forbes Field Bldg. 740
Topeka, KS 66620
¶Kentucky
Y
Frankfort
KY
Ø
617
1
• Official name: Commonwealth of Kentucky (Wyandotte: meadowland).
• Admitted: June 1, 1792--15th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,726,000 rank-23.
• Area: 40,410 sq. mi. rank-37.
• High pt: 4,145 ft., Black Mt., in Harlan County.
• Low pt: 257 ft., Mississippi.
• Nickname: Bluegrass State.
• Motto: United we stand, divided we fall.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Flower: Goldenrod.
• Song: My Old Kentucky Home.
• Tree: Coffee tree.
• Wild Animal: Gray squirrel.
The foremost tourist attraction in Kentucky is the world famous Kentucky Derby Horse Race held every year at Churchill Downs. Mammoth Cave National Park is one the state’s many natural wonders. Kentucky has many historical parks. There is a restored village of the “Shakers”, a 19th Century utopian movement who founded communes, at Harrodsburg. Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, is a popular site. Also there are parks at Boonesville, where Daniel Boone lived, and at the Cumberland Gap in the southeastern part of the state, near the Tennessee state line.
Office of Vital Statistics
Department for Human Resources
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
¶Louisiana
Y
Baton Rouge
LA
Ø
618
1
• Official name: State of Louisiana (after Louis XIV of France).
• Admitted: April 30,1812--18th State.
• Pop(1985): 4,481,000 rank-18.
• Area: 47,752 sq. mi. rank-31.
• High pt: 535 ft., Driskell Mt., in Bienville Parish.
• Low pt: 5 ft. below sea level, in New Orleans.
• Nickname: Pelican State.
• Motto: Union, justice, and confidence.
• Beverage: Milk.
• Crustacean: Crawfish.
• Dog: Catahoula leopard.
• Flower: Magnolia.
• Fossil: Petrified palmwood.
• Gemstone: Agate.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Reptile: Alligator.
• Songs: Give Me Louisiana, You Are My Sunshine.
• Tree: Bald cypress.
New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is one of the major tourist centers in the nation. The Mardi Gras held there every year is the largest in North America. The distinctive architecture of the French Quarter, New Orleans Jazz, and Creole food keep the city packed with visitors year round. The Louisiana Superdome and the Battle Of New Orleans National Park are other attractions in the city. Other sites of interest are the Longfellow-Evangeline Oak, Hodge’s Gardens south of Mansfield, and the massive Indian mound at Poverty Point.
Division of Vital Records
Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
¶Maine
Y
Augusta
ME
Ø
619
1
• Official name: State of Maine (after ancient French province).
• Admitted: March 15, 1820--23rd State.
• Pop(1985): 1,164,000 rank-38.
• Area: 33,265 sq. mi. rank-39.
• High pt: 5,268 ft., Mt. Katahdin.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Pine Tree State.
• Motto: Dirigo (I direct).
• Animal: Moose.
• Bird: Chickadee.
• Fish: Landlocked salmon.
• Flower: White pine cone and tassel.
• Gem: Tourmaline.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Song: State of Maine Song.
• Tree: Easter white pine.
Maine offers outdoorsmen a wonderland of forests, lakes, and mountains. Few states in the Union have wildlife and scenery to match that of Maine. Acadia National Park is home to some of the finest hunting and fishing in the country. For those interested in the state’s heritage there is the Bath Iron Works and Marine Museum. Sugarloaf USA is one of the Northeast’s most frequented ski resorts.
Office of Vital Records
Human Services Bldg.
Station II, State House
Augusta, ME 04333
¶Maryland
Y
Annapolis
MD
Ø
620
1
• Official name: State of Maryland (after Queen Henrietta Maria of England).
• Admitted: April 28, 1788--7th State.
• Pop(1985): 4,392,000 rank-20.
• Area: 10,460 sq. mi. rank-42.
• High pt: 3,360 ft., Backbone Mt., in the southwest corner of Garrett County.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Old Line State.
• Motto: Fatti maschii, parole femine (Manly deeds, womanly words).
• Bird: Baltimore oriole.
• Dog: Chesapeake Bay retriever.
• Fish: Striped bass.
• Flower: Black-eyed Susan.
• Fossil: Ecphora quadricostata (snail).
• Insect: Baltimore checkerspot butterfly.
• Song: Maryland, My Maryland.
• Sport: Jousting.
• Tree: White oak.
There is a lot for visitors to Maryland to see and do. Chesapeake Bay has great sailing and fishing. The seafood from the Bay also makes for excellent dining. The state capital of Annapolis is famous as the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Annapolis is also the home of the oldest State House in the nation and an annual Yacht race. Baltimore and Washington D.C. both provide Maryland with many cultural and sporting events. The renowned Preakness horse-racing track is in Maryland. Baltimore is the home of Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner,” and the house of poet-author Edgar Allen Poe.
Division of Vital Records
State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
State Office Bldg.
P.O. Box 13146
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21203
¶Massachusetts
Y
Boston
MA
Ø
621
1
• Official name: Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Indian: large hill place).
• Admitted: February 6, 1788--6th State.
• Pop(1985): 5,822,000 rank-12.
• Area: 8,284 sq. mi. rank-45.
• High pt: 3,491 ft., Mt. Greylock, in the northwest corner of the state.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Bay State.
• Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietam (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty).
• Beverage: Cranberry juice.
• Bird: Chickadee.
• Dog: Boston terrier.
• Fish: Cod.
• Flower: Mayflower.
• Horse: Morgan.
• Insect: Ladybug.
• Mineral: Babingtonite.
• Song: All Hail to Massachusetts.
• Tree: American elm.
Massachusetts has many attractions for visitors. Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are favorite vacation places in the state. Among the state’s historical sites are Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and the national monuments at Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Boston is a city renowned for its cultural events. The Boston Symphony, Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Boston Opera are world famous. Harvard University, the oldest college in the United States, is in Cambridge.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Tremont St., Rm. B-3
Boston, MA 02111
¶Michigan
Y
Lansing
MI
Ø
622
1
• Official name: State of Michigan (Chippewa: great lake).
• Admitted: January 26, 1837--26th State.
• Pop(1985): 9,088,000 rank-8.
• Area: 58,527 sq. mi. rank-23.
• High pt: 1,980 ft., Mt. Curwood, in the Upper Peninsula’s Huron Mountains.
• Low pt: 572 ft., Lake Erie.
• Nickname: Wolverine State.
• Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (If you see a pleasant peninsula, look about you).
• Bird: Robin.
• Fish: Trout.
• Flower: Apple blossom.
• Gem: Chlorastrolite.
• Insect: Dragonfly.
• Stone: Petoskey stone.
• Song: Michigan, My Michigan.
• Tree: White pine.
Michigan is famous for its automobile industry. Tours of the great automobile factories of Detroit are available. The Henry Ford Museum celebrates the achievements of one of America’s greatest industrial pioneers. More advanced technological feats are explored at the Michigan Space Center. The lakes and forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are famous for their hunting and fishing.
Office of the State Registrar and Center for Health Statistics
Michigan Department of Public Health
3500 N. Logan St.
Lansing, MI 48909
¶Minnesota
Y
St. Paul
MN
Ø
623
1
• Official name: State of Minnesota (Sioux: sky-colored water).
• Admitted: May 11, 1858--32nd State.
• Pop(1985): 4,193,000 rank-21.
• Area: 84,402 sq. mi. rank-12.
• High pt: 2,301 ft., Eagle Mt., in Cook County.
• Low pt: 602 ft., Lake Superior.
• Nickname: North Star State.
• Motto: L’etoile du nord (Star of the north).
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Common loon.
• Fish: Walleye.
• Flower: Pink and white lady’s slipper.
• Gemstone: Lake Superior agate.
• Grain: Wild rice.
• Mushroom: Morel.
• Song: Hail Minnesota.
• Tree: Red pine.
In the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” naturally one of the biggest attractions are the lakes. Fishing, water-skiing, and duck-hunting are all big activities in Minnesota. Voyageurs National Park draws people from around the country to experience it abundance of wildlife. Minnehaha Falls is a popular tourist site. Minnesota is also the home the world famous Mayo Clinic. Minneapolis-St. Paul is a sizable metropolitan area with many cultural events.
Section of Vital Statistics
Minnesota Department of Health
717 Delaware St., S.E.
P.O. Box 9441
Minneapolis, MN 55440
¶Mississippi
Y
Jackson
MS
Ø
624
1
• Official name: State of Mississippi (Choctaw: father of waters).
• Admitted: December 10, 1817--20th State.
• Pop(1985): 2,613,000 rank-31.
• Area: 47,689 sq. mi. rank-32.
• High pt: 806 ft., Woodall Mt., near Iuka.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Magnolia State.
• Motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms).
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Mockingbird.
• Flower: Magnolia.
• Fossil: Prehistoric whale.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Song: Go, Mississippi.
• Tree: Magnolia.
• Water mammal: Bottlenosed dolphin.
Mississippi is famous for its forests and for the rich farmland of the Mississippi River Delta. Hunting and fishing in Mississippi are excellent. The state’s biggest tourist attraction is the National Military Park at Vicksburg. The Natchez Trace, a scenic highway along the historic road between Natchez and the settlements of the upper-South, is an often frequented park. In Natchez the annual pilgrimage of the Ante-Bellum estates is famous nation-wide. In Biloxi, on the Gulf Coast, the local Mardi Gras and the annual “Blessing of the Fishing Fleet” are big tourist events.
Vital Records
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
¶Missouri
Y
Jefferson City
MO
Ø
625
1
• Official name: State of Missouri (Algonquian: canoe haven).
• Admitted: August 10, 1821--24th State.
• Pop(1985): 5,029,000 rank-15.
• Area: 69,697 sq. mi. rank-19.
• High pt: 1,722 ft., Taum Sauk Mt., near Ironton, 90 miles south of St. Louis in the St. Francis Mountains.
• Low pt: 230 ft., St. Francis River, in the southeast.
• Nickname: Show Me State.
• Motto: Salus populi suprema lex esto (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law).
• Bird: Bluebird.
• Flower: Hawthorn.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Mineral: Galena.
• Song: Missouri Waltz.
• Stone: Mozarkite.
• Tree: Dogwood.
Mark Twain is Missouri’s most famous citizen and in Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, there is a Mark Twain Area. In St. Joseph there is the Pony Express Museum. St. Joseph was the eastern end of the Express. St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch and the Budweiser Brewery in addition to hosting cultural events. Southwest Missouri is Ozark Mountain country. The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library is in Missouri.
Bureau of Vital Records
Division of Health
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
¶Montana
Y
Helena
MT
Ø
626
1
• Official name: State of Montana (Latin: mountainous).
• Admitted: November 8, 1889--41st State.
• Pop(1985): 826,000 rank-44.
• Area: 147,046 sq. mi. rank-4.
• High pt: 12,799 ft., Granite Peak, just northeast of Yellowstone National Park.
• Low pt: 1,800 ft., Kootenai River in the northwest corner.
• Nickname: Treasure State.
• Motto: Oro y plata (Gold and silver).
• Animal: Grizzly bear.
• Ballad: Montana Melody.
• Bird: Western meadowlark.
• Fish: Black-spotted cutthroat trout.
• Flower: Bitterroot.
• Grass: Bluebunch wheatgrass.
• Song: Montana.
• Stones: Sapphire, agate.
• Tree: Ponderosa pine.
Big Sky Country is famous for wide open spaces. Montana is home to some the most spectacular scenery in the United States. The plains and mountains of Montana draw many outdoorsmen. Of historic interest is the Military Park at the site of the battle of Little Bighorn, where General George Custer and his men were wiped out by the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. There is one of the worlds finest collections of dinosaur fossils at the University of Montana. Many dinosaur remains have been found in the state.
Bureau of Records and Statistics
Department of Health & Environmental Sciences
Helena, MT 59620
¶Nebraska
Y
Lincoln
NE
Ø
627
1
• Official name: State of Nebraska (Omaha: flat river).
• Admitted: March 1, 1867--37th State.
• Pop(1985): 1,606,000 rank-36.
• Area: 77,355 sq. mi. rank-15.
• High pt: 5,426 ft., in Kimball County near the Colorado border.
• Low pt: 840 ft., in the southeast corner of the state.
• Nickname: Cornhusker State.
• Motto: Equality before the law.
• Bird: Western meadowlark.
• Flower: Goldenrod.
• Fossil: Mammoth.
• Gemstone: Blue agate.
• Grass: Little blue stem.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Mammal: White-tailed deer.
• Rock: Prairie agate.
• Soil: Soils of the Holdredge series.
• Song: Beautiful Nebraska.
• Tree: Western cottonwood.
Nebraska’s pioneer heritage is explored at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island. The famous Father Flanagan’s Bellevue Boy’s Town, of movie fame, is a popular stop for visitors to Nebraska. The strange career of William Cody is on display at the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Scott’s Bluff National Monument is another of Nebraska’s attractions.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health
301 Centennial Mall S.
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, NE 68509
¶Nevada
Y
Carson City
NV
Ø
628
1
• Official name: State of Nevada (Spanish: snow clad).
• Admitted: October 31, 1864--36th State.
• Pop(1985): 936,000 rank-43.
• Area: 110,561 sq. mi. rank-7.
• High pt: 13,143 ft., Boundary Peak, in the White Mountains near the
California border.
• Low pt: 470 ft., Colorado River.
• Nickname: Silver State.
• Motto: All for our country.
• Animal: Desert bighorn sheep.
• Bird: Mountain bluebird.
• Flower: Sagebrush.
• Fossil: Ichthyosaur.
• Grass: Indian rice grass.
• Mineral: Silver.
• Song: Home Means Nevada.
• Tree: Single-leaf pinon.
Nevada is famous around the world for its gambling. The major tourist attraction in Nevada is the casino gambling in Las Vegas, but also in Reno, Lake Tahoe, and other spots. The big shows in the Las Vegas hotels are another tourist draw. Nevada does not lack for natural wonders. Lake Mead is highly rated among outdoorsmen. Hoover Dam, on the Colorado River, is a man-made wonder that many people visit.
Division of Health & Vital Statistics
505 E. King
Carson City, NV 89710
¶New Hampshire
Y
Concord
NH
Ø
629
1
• Official name: State of New Hampshire (after Hampshire County, England).
• Admitted: June 21, 1788--9th State.
• Pop(1985): 998,000 rank-41.
• Area: 9,279 sq. mi. rank-44.
• High pt: 6,288 ft., Mt. Washington, in the White Mountains.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Granite State.
• Motto: Live free or die.
• Amphibian: Spotted newt.
• Bird: Purple finch.
• Flower: Purple lilac.
• Gem: Smoky quartz.
• Insect: Ladybug.
• Mineral: Beryl.
• Rock: Granite.
• Song: Old New Hampshire.
• Tree: White birch.
Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, is the highest point in New England at 6,228 ft. It is a common tourist stop. White Mountain National Forest is a favorite of those who enjoy outdoor activities. Among the more interesting historical sites in New Hampshire is the restored “Shaker” village near Canterbury. The New Hampshire coast is a quiet, restful area with excellent seafood. New Hampshire has many small villages where the past of New England is recreated.
Bureau of Vital Records
Health and Welfare Bldg.
Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH 03301
¶New Jersey
Y
Trenton
NJ
Ø
630
1
• Official name: State of New Jersey (after island of Jersey).
• Admitted: December 18, 1787--3rd State.
• Pop(1985): 7,562,000 rank-9.
• Area: 7,787 sq. mi. rank-46.
• High pt: 1,803 ft., High Point Mt., in the northwest corner of the state.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Garden State.
• Motto: Liberty and prosperity.
• Animal: Horse.
• Bird: Eastern goldfinch.
• Flower: Purple violet.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Tree: Red oak.
Atlantic City is the biggest tourist attraction in New Jersey. The casino gambling and Las Vegas type shows draw many visitors. The Cape May Historical District is another treat for visitors to New Jersey. The state is filled with historical parks commemorating such Revolutionary War battles as Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth. The work of the great New Jersey inventor Thomas Edison is celebrated at the Edison Labs Museum. Liberty State Park is one of New Jersey’s wilderness areas. The Jersey Shore is a favorite summer destination of vacationers of the Northeast.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health
CN 360
Trenton, NJ 08625
¶New Mexico
Y
Sante Fe
NM
Ø
631
1
• Official name: State of New Mexico (name given to area by Spaniards).
• Admitted: January 6, 1912--47th State.
• Pop(1985): 1,450,000 rank-37.
• Area: 121,593 sq. mi. rank-5.
• High pt: 13,161 ft., Wheeler Peak, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the Colorado border.
• Low pt: 2,817 ft., Red Bluff Reservoir.
• Nickname: Land of Enchantment.
• Motto: Crescit eundo (It grows as it goes).
• Animal: Black bear.
• Bird: Roadrunner.
• Fish: Cutthroat trout.
• Flower: Yucca.
• Fossil: Ceolophysis.
• Gem: Turquoise.
• Songs: Asi es Nueva Mexico; O, Fair New Mexico.
• Tree: Pinon.
• Vegetables: Chile, frijoles.
New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” is a vacationer’s paradise. In the south you’ll find Carlsbad Caverns, largest of its kind in the world, as well as White Sands National Park, where missiles and sand dunes meet. The northern part features camping and fishing sites (skiing in the winter) and many interesting Indian villages, both modern and historical. Taos and Sante Fe are unforgettable, combining neo-chic charisma with Old World charm.
Vital Statistics Bureau
New Mexico Health Services Division
P.O. Box 968
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0968
¶New York
Y
Albany
NY
Ø
632
1
• Official name: State of New York (after Duke of York, later James II).
• Admitted: July 26, 1788--11th State.
• Pop(1985): 17,783,000 rank-2.
• Area: 49,108 sq. mi. rank-30.
• High pt: 5,344 ft., Mt. Marcy, in the Adirondacks.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Empire State.
• Motto: Excelsior (Ever upward).
• Animal: Beaver.
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Bluebird.
• Fish: Trout.
• Flower: Rose.
• Fruit: Apple.
• Fossil: Sea scorpion.
• Gem: Garnet.
• Tree: Sugar maple.
New York City is the premier attraction for visitors to the “Empire State”. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Broadway, and Central Park are just a few of the limitless number of places visitors to America’s largest city can see. The Adirondacks and the Catskill Mountains are dotted with small resorts. Sartoga Springs is famous for horse-racing and for its spas and luxury hotels. The National Baseball Hall of Fame is in Cooperstown. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Center in Hyde Park draws tourists and scholars alike. Fort Ticonderoga is a historical park in upstate New York. Niagara Falls on the Canadian border has long been a popular tourist (honeymoon) spot.
Bureau of Vital Records
State Department of Health
Empire State Plaza
Tower Bldg.
Albany, NY 12237
¶North Carolina
Y
Raleigh
NC
Ø
633
1
• Official name: State of North Carolina (after Charles II of England).
• Admitted: November 21, 1789--12th State.
• Pop(1985): 6,255,000 rank-10.
• Area: 52,669 sq. mi. rank-28.
• High pt: 6,684 ft., Mt. Mitchell, in the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Asheville and the highest mountain east of the Mississippi.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Tar Heel State.
• Motto: Esse quam videri (To be rather than to seem).
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Fish: Channel bass.
• Flower: Dogwood.
• Gem: Emerald.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Mammal: Gray squirrel.
• Reptile: Eastern box turtle.
• Rock: Granite.
• Song: The Old North State.
• Tree: Longleaf pine.
Many of North Carolina’s tourist attractions are on the eastern coast. The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a scenic area. Roanoke Island was the site of Sir Walter Raleigh’s mysterious “Lost Colony”. Kitty Hawk, the scene of the first airplane flight, is now home to the Wright Brothers National Monument. In the western part of the state the Great Smokey Mountains draw thousands of visitors a year. The scenic highway along the mountain range is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. The cultural fare in North Carolina varies from Appalachian folk ways in the mountains to ballet and theater in the state’s prosperous “Golden Triangle”.
Vital Records Branch
Department of Human Resources
Division of Health Services
P.O. Box 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602
¶North Dakota
Y
Bismarck
ND
Ø
634
1
• Official name: State of North Dakota (Sioux: allies).
• Admitted: November 2, 1889--39th State.
• Pop(1985): 685,000 rank-46.
• Area: 70,702 sq. mi. rank-17.
• High pt: 3,506 ft., White Butte, in the southwest corner of the state.
• Motto: Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.
• Bird: Western meadowlark.
• Fish: Northern pike.
• Flower: Wild prairie rose.
• Grass: Western wheatgrass.
• March: Spirit of the Land.
• Song: North Dakota Hymn.
• Stone: Teredo petrified wood.
• Tree: American elm.
Natural wonders are North Dakota’s chief attractions to visitors. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a rich wilderness area to outdoorsmen. Lake Sakakawea has great fishing and hunting. The Peace Garden is a bi-national park that stretches from North Dakota up into Canada. There are Indian reservations in North Dakota for those who wish to sample the culture of Native Americans.
Division of Vital Records
State Department of Health
Office of Statistical Services
Bismarck, ND 58505
¶Ohio
Y
Columbus
OH
Ø
635
1
• Official name: State of Ohio (Indian: great).
• Admitted: March 1, 1803--17th State.
• Pop(1985): 10,744,000 rank-7.
• Area: 41,330 sq. mi. rank-35.
• High pt: 1,550 ft., Campbell Hill, near Bellefontaine.
• Low pt: 433 ft., Ohio River.
• Nickname: Buckeye State.
• Motto: With God, all things are possible.
• Beverage: Tomato juice.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Flower: Scarlet carnation.
• Insect: Ladybug.
• Song: Beautiful Ohio.
• Stone: Ohio flint.
• Tree: Buckeye.
Ohio has many things to offer visitors. Ohio has rich forests amid lakes for outdoorsmen but many other attractions as well. The Mound City Group National Monument is dedicated to the builders of the ancient Indian mounds. There is an Air Force Museum in Dayton, and Ohio has the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum as well. For those interested in history Ohio has the homes of eight U.S. Presidents. Cleveland and Cincinnati are large metropolitan areas that offer a wide variety of cultural events.
Division of Vital Statistics
Ohio Department of Health
G-20 Ohio Departments Bldg.
65 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
¶Oklahoma
Y
Oklahoma City
OK
Ø
636
1
• Official name: State of Oklahoma (Choctaw: red people).
• Admitted: November 16, 1907--46th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,301,000 rank-25.
• Area: 69,956 sq. mi. rank-18.
• High pt: 4,978 ft., Black Mesa, close to the New Mexico border in the northwest corner of the panhandle.
• Low pt: 287 ft., Little River, in the southeast.
• Nickname: Sooner State.
• Motto: Labor omnia vincit (Labor conquers all things).
• Animal: American buffalo.
• Bird: Scissor-tailed flycatcher.
• Colors: Green, white.
• Fish: White bass.
• Flower: Mistletoe.
• Grass: Indian grass.
• Poem: Howdy Folks.
• Reptile: Mountain boomer lizard.
• Song: Oklahoma.
• Stone: Barite rose (rose rock).
• Tree: Redbud.
• Waltz: Oklahoma Wind.
Oklahoma enjoys celebrating its Old West heritage. The state is home to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. There is also a memorial to Will Rogers, a native son, in the state. There are still many Indians in Oklahoma and Indian “powwows” are a common cultural offering. The Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma is rich in game and fish. Hunting and fishing are excellent in the state. The mountainous region in the eastern part of Oklahoma is popular with hikers, and campers, as well as sportsmen.
Vital Records Section
State Department of Health
N.E. 10th St. & Stonewall
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
¶Oregon
Y
Salem
OR
Ø
637
1
• Official name: State of Oregon (Algonquian: beautiful water).
• Admitted: February 14, 1859--33rd State.
• Pop(1985): 2,687,000 rank-30.
• Area: 97,073 sq. mi. rank-10.
• High pt: 11,239 ft., Mt. Hood.
• Low pt: Sea level, Pacific Ocean.
• Nickname: Beaver State.
• Motto: The Union.
• Animal: Beaver.
• Bird: Western meadowlark.
• Dance: Square dance.
• Fish: Chinook salmon.
• Flower: Oregon grape.
• Insect: Swallowtail butterfly.
• Poet laureate: William E. Stafford.
• Song: Oregon, My Oregon.
• Stone: Thunderegg.
• Tree: Douglas fir.
Oregon contains mountains, deserts, and rain forests. There is something for all outdoorsmen in the state. Among the more spectacular natural wonders is the Columbia River Gorge. The Oregon Cave National Monument is another popular tourist attraction. The arduous Oregon Trail, over which the first American settlers of the state had to pass, is celebrated in many historical areas. Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon’s most frequented tourist sites.
Vital Statistics Section
Oregon State Health Division
P.O. Box 116
Portland, OR 97207
¶Pennsylvania
Y
Harrisburg
PA
Ø
638
1
• Official name: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (named by Charles II, after father of founder).
• Admitted: December 12, 1787--2nd State.
• Pop(1985): 11,853,000 rank-4.
• Area: 45,308 sq. mi. rank-33.
• High pt: 3,213 ft., Mt. Davis, in Somerset County.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Keystone State.
• Motto: Virtue, liberty, and independence.
• Animal: White-tailed deer.
• Dog: Great Dane.
• Fish: Brook trout.
• Flower: Mountain laurel.
• Game bird: Ruffed grouse.
• Insect: Firefly.
• Tree: Hemlock.
Pennsylvania is a state rich in history. The Independence Hall National Historical Park celebrates the founding of the nation. The Liberty Bell is preserved there along with relics of the Continental Congress. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is dedicated to the great Philadelphia scientist, Benjamin Franklin. The Valley Forge National Historical Park remembers the suffering of General Washington’s army in the darkest days of the Revolutionary War. The National Military Park at Gettysburg recalls the greatest battle of the Civil War (July 1-3, 1863). Other tourist sights in Pennsylvania are the Dutch (Amish) Country and the Carnegie Institute, in Pittsburgh.
Division of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health
Central Bldg.
101 S. Mercer St.
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
¶Rhode Island
Y
Providence
RI
Ø
639
1
• Official name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (red island -- for its red clay).
• Admitted: May 29, 1790--13th State.
• Pop(1985): 968,000 rank-42.
• Area: 1,212 sq. mi. rank-50.
• High pt: 812 ft., Jerimoth Hill, directly west of Providence, on the Connecticut border.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Little Rhody.
• Motto: Hope.
• Bird: Rhode Island red.
• Flower: Violet.
• Mineral: Bowenite.
• Rock: Cumberlandite.
• Song: Rhode Island.
• Tree: Red maple.
Small Rhode Island is rich in history. Providence, the state capital, is one of the oldest cities in the nation. Many Rhode Island towns have local museums detailing its heritage. Newport is famous for its mansions, of which tours are available. The Narragansett Indian Fall Festival is one of Rhode Island’s chief tourist events.
Division of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health
Cannon Bldg., Rm. 101
75 Davis St.
Providence, RI 02908
¶South Carolina
Y
Columbia
SC
Ø
640
1
• Official name: State of South Carolina (after Charles II of England).
• Admitted: May 23, 1788--8th State.
• Pop(1985): 3,347,000 rank-24.
• Area: 31,113 sq. mi. rank-40.
• High pt: 3,560 ft., Sassafras Mt., in the Blue Ridge close to the North Carolina border.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Palmetto State.
• Mottos: Animis opibusque parati (Prepared in mind and resources), Dum spiro spero (While I breathe, I hope).
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Carolina wren.
• Dance: Shag.
• Dog: Boykin spaniel.
• Flower: Carolina jessamine.
• Fruit: Peach.
• Shell: Lettered olive.
• Songs: Carolina, South Carolina on My Mind.
• Stone: Blue granite.
• Tree: Palmetto.
Charleston is the center of tourism in South Carolina. Many of the fine old homes along the Battery can be toured. The Charleston Museum is the oldest in the nation. The Fort Sumter National Monument, in Charleston Harbor, saw the opening shots of the Civil War. The gardens of Charleston are famous as is the Hilton Head Island luxury resort. Other popular sites in South Carolina are the Museum of the University of South Carolina, one of the biggest in the country, and the King’s Mountain Revolutionary War battlefield.
Office of Vital Records and Public Health Statistics
S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
¶South Dakota
Y
Pierre
SD
Ø
641
1
• Official name: State of South Dakota (Sioux: allies).
• Admitted: November 2, 1889--40th State.
• Pop(1985): 708,000 rank-45.
• Area: 77,116 sq. mi. rank-16.
• High pt: 7,242 ft., Harney Peak, in the Black Hills.
• Low pt: 962 ft., Big Stone Lake, on the boundary in the northeast corner of the state.
• Nicknames: Coyote State, Sunshine State.
• Motto: Under God the people rule.
• Animal: Coyote.
• Bird: Ringnecked pheasant.
• Fish: Walleye.
• Flower: Pasque flower.
• Gem: Fairburn agate.
• Grass: Western wheatgrass.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Mineral: Rose quartz.
• Song: Hail, South Dakota.
• Tree: Black Hills spruce.
South Dakota is the home of many natural wonders. The Black Hills of South Dakota contain Mount Rushmore. At Custer State Park there are Buffaloes that visitors can view. Jewel Cave and the Badlands National Park are other sites of great natural beauty in South Dakota. There are many Indian reservations in South Dakota where Native American culture can be observed.
State Department of Health
Health Statistics Program
Joe Foss Office Bldg.
Pierre, SD 57501
¶Tennessee
Y
Nashville
TN
Ø
642
1
• Official name: State of Tennessee (name of Cherokee village).
• Admitted: June 1, 1796--16th State.
• Pop(1985): 4,762,000 rank-17.
• Area: 42,144 sq. mi. rank-34.
• High pt: 6,643 ft., Clingman’s Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Low pt: 182 ft., Mississippi River.
• Nickname: Volunteer State.
• Motto: Agriculture and commerce.
• Slogan: Tennessee -- America at Its Best.
• Animal: Raccoon.
• Bird: Mockingbird.
• Flower: Iris.
• Gem: Tennessee pearl.
• Insects: Ladybug, firefly.
• Rock: Limestone.
• Songs: When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee; The Tennessee Waltz; My Homeland, Tennessee; My Tennessee; Rocky Top.
• Stone: Agate.
• Tree: Tulip poplar.
• Wildflower: Passion flower.
Tennessee is a state rich in natural beauty. Cherokee National Park offers mountains, lakes, and forests rich in wildlife. Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, offers a panoramic view of several states. The American Museum of Science is located at Oak Ridge, home of part of WWII’s Manhattan Project. Gatlinburg is a popular family resort area in Tennessee. In Nashville tourists can see the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, and the world famous Grand Ole Opry, home of country music. In Memphis, Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is a popular attraction.
Tennessee Vital Records
Department of Health and Environment
Cordell Hull Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37219-2505
¶Texas
Y
Austin
TX
Ø
643
1
• Official name: State of Texas (Indian: friend).
• Admitted: December 29, 1845--28th State.
• Pop(1985): 16,370,000 rank-3.
• Area: 266,807 sq. mi. rank-2.
• High pt: 8,751 ft., Guadalupe Peak, in the Guadalupe Mountains near the New Mexico border.
• Low pt: Sea level, Gulf of Mexico.
• Nickname: Lone Star State.
• Motto: Friendship.
• Bird: Mockingbird.
• Dish: Chili.
• Flower: Bluebonnet.
• Gem: Topaz.
• Grass: Sideoats grama.
• Song: Texas, Our Texas.
• Stone: Palmwood.
• Tree: Pecan.
The Padre Island National Seashore is a popular attraction in Texas as is the beach on Galveston Island, south of Houston. Big Bend National Park in West Texas is an area of rare natural beauty. The Alamo, in San Antonio, is probably the most visited tourist site in Texas. The Texas Hill Country around Austin is the home of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston is another of the state’s top attractions. Houston and Dallas are large cities that offer a wide variety of cultural and sporting events.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Texas Department of Health
1110 E. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756
¶Utah
Y
Salt Lake City
UT
Ø
644
1
• Official name: State of Utah (Navajo: upper).
• Admitted: January 4, 1896--45th State.
• Pop(1985): 1,645,000 rank-35.
• Area: 84,899 sq. mi. rank-11.
• High pt: 13,528 ft., Kings Peak, in the Uinta Mountains.
• Low pt: 2,000 ft., Beaver Dam Creek.
• Nickname: Beehive State.
• Motto: Industry.
• Bird: Seagull.
• Flower: Sego lily.
• Gem: Topaz. Song: Utah, We Love Thee.
• Tree: Blue spruce.
Bryce Canyon, Utah, is thought by many to have the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Utah is mostly a state of desert and mountains. Other natural wonders in the state are the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, Lake Powell, and Rainbow Bridge. Brigham Young University is itself something of a tourist attraction. In Salt Lake City the most popular sights are Temple Square, the headquarters of the Mormon Church, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Bureau of Health Statistics
Utah Department of Health
150 W. North Temple
P.O. Box 2500
Salt Lake City, UT 84110
¶Vermont
Y
Montpelier
VT
Ø
645
1
• Official name: State of Vermont (French: green mountain).
• Admitted: March 4, 1791--14th State.
• Pop(1985): 535,000 rank-48.
• Area: 9,614 sq. mi. rank-43.
• High pt: 4,393 ft., Mt. Mansfield.
• Low pt: 95 ft., Lake Champlain.
• Nickname: Green Mountain State.
• Motto: Freedom and unity.
• Animal: Morgan horse.
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Hermit thrush.
• Fish: Brook trout, walleye pike.
• Flower: Red clover.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Poet laureate: Robert Frost.
• Soil: Tunbridge soil series.
• Song: Hail, Vermont!
• Tree: Sugar maple.
Vermont is a state of rich forests and mountains where people can enjoy outdoor sports. Vermont’s mountains are home to some of the finest ski slopes in the Northeast. Fishing draws many outdoorsmen to Vermont. The Rock of Ages Tourist Center is a family recreation area. A more cultural attraction is the Shelburne museum. Vermont is a favorite vacation spot for many in the Northeast.
Vermont Department of Health
Vital Records Section
Box 70
60 Main St.
Burlington, VT 05402
¶Virginia
Y
Richmond
VA
Ø
646
1
• Official name: Commonwealth of Virginia (after Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen of England).
• Admitted: June 25, 1788--10th State.
• Pop(1985): 5,706,000 rank-13.
• Area: 40,767 rank-36.
• High pt: 5,729 ft., Mt. Rogers, in the Iron Mountains close to the North Carolina border.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Old Dominion.
• Motto: Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants).
• Animal: Foxhound.
• Beverage: Milk.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Flower: Dogwood.
• Shell: Oyster.
• Song: Carry Me Back to Old Virginia.
• Tree: Dogwood.
Virginia has a rich heritage that is reflected in the many historical parks, battlefields, and monuments in the state. Colonial Williamsburg is a park that recreates life in colonial Virginia. The Jamestown festival is also a celebration of colonial heritage. Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is preserved as is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s self-designed house. The Arlington National Cemetery is on property that was once owned by Robert E. Lee. Virginia, the site of so many Civil War battles, is now covered with markers and monuments to the dead of both sides. Among the military parks are Chancellorsville, Manassas (Bull Run), and the Appomattox Court House. General Lee’s tomb at Washington and Lee University in Lexington are heavily frequented tourist sites.
Bureau of Vital Records
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23208-1000
¶Washington
Y
Olympia
WA
Ø
647
1
• Official name: State of Washington (after George Washington).
• Admitted: November 11, 1889--42nd State.
• Pop(1985): 4,409,000 rank-19.
• Area: 68,139 sq. mi. rank-20.
• High pt: 14,410 ft., Mt. Ranier, in the Cascades.
• Low pt: Sea level.
• Nickname: Evergreen State.
• Motto: Alki (By and by).
• Bird: Willow goldfinch.
• Dance: Square dance.
• Fish: Steelhead trout.
• Flower: Western rhododendron.
• Gem: Petrified wood.
• Song: Washington, My Home.
• Tree: Western hemlock.
Washington State is filled with many places of great natural beauty. Mt. Ranier is often visited. Mount St. Helens volcano is still active and is toured by the curious. Olympic National Park and Puget Sound are two of Washington’s greatest natural treasures. Grand Coulee Dam is an un-natural wonder that draws many visitors each year. Seattle is a large city with many cultural and sporting events. Among the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle are the Space Needle and the waterfront district.
Vital Records
P.O. Box 9709, ET-11
Olympia, WA 98504
¶West Virginia
Y
Charleston
WV
Ø
648
1
• Official name: State of West Virginia (after Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen of England).
• Admitted: June 20, 1863--35th State.
• Pop(1985): 1,936,000 rank-34.
• Area: 24,232 sq. mi. rank-41.
• High pt: 4,863 ft., Spruce Knob, in Pendleton County.
• Low pt: 240 ft., Potomac River.
• Nickname: Mountain State.
• Motto: Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers are always free).
• Animal: Black bear.
• Bird: Cardinal.
• Fish: Brook trout.
• Flower: Big rhododendron.
• Songs: West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home; The West Virginia Hills; This Is My West Virginia.
• Tree: Sugar maple.
West Virginia is located in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. Monogahela National Forest contains beautiful mountain vistas that make it a favorite of hikers and mountain-climbers in the region. The Mountain State Forest Festival is a celebration of Appalachian culture. The White Springs mineral water spa is a popular attraction among tourists to West Virginia. Of historical interest is Harper’s Ferry, the site of the famous John Brown Raid of 1859, and of several Civil War battles.
Division of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health
State Office Bldg. No. 3
Charleston, WV 25305
¶Wisconsin
Y
Madison
WI
Ø
649
1
• Official name: State of Wisconsin (Chippewa: gathering of the waters).
• Admitted: May 29, 1848--30th State.
• Pop(1985): 4,775,000 rank-16.
• Area: 56,153 sq. mi. rank-26.
• High pt: 1,952 ft., Timms Hill, in Price County.
• Low pt: 581 ft., Lake Michigan.
• Nickname: Badger State.
• Motto: Forward.
• Animal: Badger.
• Bird: Robin.
• Domestic animal: Dairy cow.
• Fish: Muskellunge.
• Flower: Wood violet.
• Insect: Honeybee.
• Mineral: Galena.
• Rock: Red granite.
• Soil: Antigo silt loam.
• Song: On, Wisconsin! Symbol of peace: Mourning dove.
• Tree: Sugar maple.
• Wildlife animal: White-tailed deer.
Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland. There are many dairy museums in the state for tourists. Wisconsin’s northern Door County Peninsula is an area rich in wildlife and much frequented by outdoorsmen. Lake Winnebago is renowned for its fishing and summer water sports. In Baraboo, Wisconsin, is the Circus World Museum for Circus fans.
Bureau of Health Statistics
Wisconsin Division of Health
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
¶Wyoming
Y
Cheyenne
WY
Ø
650
1
• Official name: State of Wyoming (Delaware: end of the plains).
• Admitted: July 10, 1890--44th State.
• Pop(1985): 509,000 rank-50.
• Area: 97,809 sq. mi. rank-9.
• High pt: 13,804 ft., Gannett Peak, in the Wind River Mountains.
• Low pt: 3,100 ft., Belle Fourche River, in the northeast.
• Nicknames: Equality State, Cowboy State.
• Motto: Equal rights.
• Animal: Bison.
• Bird: Meadowlark.
• Flower: Indian paintbrush.
• Song: Wyoming.
• Stone: Jade.
• Tree: Cottonwood.
Wyoming is a state of tall mountains, broad valleys, thick forests, and vast plains. Perhaps the greatest of all the national parks, Yellowstone, is in Wyoming. Thousands of people make the trek to Yellowstone each year to time the “Old Faithful” geyser and watch the bears and other wildlife. Another attraction in Wyoming is the Grand Teton National Forest that contains the National Elk Refuge. Fort Laramie, from the Old West days can be visited in Wyoming as can the Buffalo Bill Museum. Sparsely settled Wyoming is the preferred vacation haunt of many who like to get away from civilization now and then.
Vital Records Services
Division of Health and Medical Services
Hathaway Bldg.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
¶District of Columbia
Y
Ø
DC
451
651
1
• Official name: District of Columbia.
• Became U.S. capital: December 1, 1800.
• Pop(1985): 626,000.
• Area: 69 sq. mi.
• Motto: Justitia omnibus (Justice for all).
• Bird: Wood thrush.
• Flower: American beauty rose.
• Tree: Scarlet oak.
• Monuments: Washington Monument; Lincoln Memorial; Jefferson Memorial; United States Capitol; White House; Pentagon; Supreme Court; Smithsonian Institute; VietNam Memorial.
The District of Columbia has many sites of interest to visitors. The Smithsonian Institute Museum is renowned world-wide for the variety of its exhibits. The White House and the Supreme Court have visiting hours and onlookers are always welcome to watch the deliberations of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives in the Capital Building. Other popular attractions in the Capital are the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. A great variety of cultural events are held in the nation’s capital.
Vital Records Branch
425 I St., N.W., Rm. 3009
Washington, D.C. 20001
¶US Possessions
N
Ø
Ø
Ø
652
1
UNITED STATES POSSESSIONS
Self-Governing
PUERTO RICO
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an island in the West Indies located between the island of Hispaniola to the west, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the east. Puerto Rico is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Carribean Sea to the south. With 3,286,000 (1986) residents Puerto Rico is the most populous of the United State’s overseas possessions. Puerto Rico’s area is 3,515 sq. mi.. The capital is San Juan and the primary language is Spanish. The United States acquired Puerto Rico from Spain in the peace treaty of the Spanish-American War (1898). For many years there has been intermittent agitation in Puerto Rico in favor of obtaining U.S. statehood. A vocal minority of Puerto Ricans have agitated for independence from the United States altogether. In recent years Puerto Rico’s economy has become industrialized as U.S. firms, particularly chemical manufacturers, have moved plants there.
GUAM
Guam is an unincorporated U.S. Territory located in the Mariana Islands in the West Pacific. The island’s population is 127,675 (1987). Guam has an area of 209 sq. mi.. The capital of Guam is Agana, and the principal language is English, although the native Chamorro is still in use. The United States acquired Guam from Spain, in 1898, during the course of the Spanish-American War. Guam is home to a strategic military base, one that might be expanded should the United States lose its bases in the Philippines.
Non-Self-Governing
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory located between Puerto Rico to the west and the British Virgin Islands to the east. They are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Carribean Sea on the south. Three principal islands; St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, and fifty smaller ones make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. The population is 106,000 (1988). The area of the islands is 133 sq mi.. Charlote Amalie, St. Thomas, is the capital of the islands and English is the major language. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark, for defense purposes, in 1917 (WWI). Tourism is the major industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. St John is notable for the national park that includes most of the island.
AMERICAN SAMOA
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory located in the eastern Samoan Islands of the Southwest Pacific, about 2,300 miles SW of Hawaii. There are six small islands in the territory. The population of American Samoa is 47,450 (1988), and the area is 77 sq. mi. The capital is Pago Pago and the principal language is Samoan, although English is common. In the late 1800s the Samoan Islands were an issue of contention between the United States, Britain, and Germany because of their strategic location on the shipping lanes of the day. A settlement was reached in 1900 in which the U.S. was deeded part of the islands; American Samoa.
WAKE -- Wake Island and two smaller islands compose an unincorporated territory located in the the central Pacific Ocean, 2,300 mi. west of Hawaii. The area of the territory is less than 3 sq. mi. The population is 300 (1987), made of U.S. military personnel. The U.S. Air Force administers the area which was originally acquired by the U.S. in 1899, following the Spanish-American War.
MIDWAY -- Midway Island is an unincorporated territory located in the Pacific Ocean 1150 mi. NW of Hawaii. The area of the island is 2 sq. mi. and the population is 500 (1987), consisting of U.S. military personnel. The area was acquired by the United States in 1867, and is now administered by the U.S. Navy.
JOHNSTON ATOLL -- Johnston Atoll is located in the Pacific Ocean SW of Hawaii, is uninhabited, and is administered by the U.S. Defense Nuclear Agency.
KINGMAN REEF -- Kingman reef, located in the Pacific Ocean south of Hawaii, is an uninhabited area administered by the U.S. Navy.
BAKER, HOWLAND. AND JARVIS ISLANDS -- These islands are located in the central Pacific Ocean to the east of the Gilbert Islands. They have been uninhabited since WWII and are administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
MARIANA ISLANDS -- The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is composed of sixteen islands located in the West Pacific north of Guam. The area of the islands is 183.5 sq mi. and the population is 20,000. The capital of the islands is Saipan. The Marianas were Japanese possessions before WWII. In 1947 they were part of the Trust Territory the United Nations awarded to the United States. The Marianas are a sovereign state in free association with the United States, which manages the defense of the islands.
MARSHALL ISLANDS -- The Republic of the Marshall Islands is composed of thirty-one atolls in the central Pacific Ocean, 2,300 mi. W-SW of Hawaii. The area of the Republic is 70 sq. mi. and the population is 35,000. The capital of the Marshalls is Majuro. Many Malay-Polynesian languages, and English, are used. The Marshalls were a Japanese possession until WWII. After the war the area was entrusted to the United States. Now the Marshalls are an independent republic in free association with the United States, which manages its defense.
CAROLINE ISLANDS -- The Federated States of Micronesia are located in the West Pacific Ocean, south of Guam. There are four states: Pohnpei, Korae, Truk, and Yap. The area is 271 sq. mi. and the population is 80,000. The capital of the Carolines is Kolonia, Pohnpei. The Carolines were a Japanese possessions until WWII. In 1947 the area was entrusted to the United States as part of the Pacific Trust Territories. The Carolines are now independent, in free association with the United States, which manages the defense affairs of the islands.
¶USA 1990
N
District of Columbia
USA
Ø
652
1
• Official name: United States of America.
• Signing of Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776.
• Pop(1980): approximately 240 million (240,000,000).
• Area: 3,615,122 sq. mi.
• High pt: 20,320 ft., Mt. McKinley, Alaska.
• Low pt: 282 ft. below sea level, in Death Valley, California.
• Motto: In God We Trust.
• Bird: The American Bald Eagle.
• National Anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
