Louisiana

1. Louisiana State Symbols

2. Background Information • Louisiana’s State Symbols are determined by the Louisiana State Legislature on suggestions by the public. • Often endangered species are established as state symbols in an effort to gain public support for their protection.

3. What Binds Our State? • The motto for our state is “Union, Justice, and Confidence” • These words appear on our state flag. The flag also includes our state colors: Blue, white, and gold.

4. “A word by any other name…” • Louisiana’ official nickname is the “Pelican State” Unofficially, we are also known as the… “Bayou State” and the “Sportsman’s Paradise”

5. Louisiana Wildlife • Louisiana is represented by a variety of animals including… Freshwater fish- white perch Insect- honeybee Crustacean- crawfish

6. The State Dog • The Catahoula Leopard Dog (or Catahoula Cur) is the only breed of dog native to Louisiana. • Originally this dog was a cross breed between an domestic dog of Native Americans and a Spanish “war dog.” • The Catahoula Cur is a friendly animal, and exhibits interesting features such as blue eyes, webbed feet, and a spotted coat. • It is often used in south Louisiana for hunting, tracking, and herding cattle.

7. The State Reptile • The American Alligator almost became extinct during the early 1900’s as a result of over-hunting. • Now, because it is protected by both the state and federal governments, the alligator thrives in the swamps and marshes of the state.

8. The State Bird • The Eastern Brown Pelican was designated as the state bird in 1954. • By 1963, the bird had disappeared completely from the state due to insecticides ingested through the fish the birds ate which caused them to lay eggs with thin shells. • Queen Bess Island in Barataria Bay hosts a successful breeding and nesting program to ensure the bird does not remain an endangered species.

9. The State Mammal • The Black Bear makes its home in the forests of northern Louisiana and in the Atchafalaya Basin floodplain. • The bear is also considered a “threatened” animal since 1992 due to poachers who hunt the bears for their gall bladders.

10. Important Louisiana Plant life • The state flower of Louisiana is the Magnolia The magnolia was designated as the state flower in 1900 due to its abundance throughout the state. The state wildflower of Louisiana is the Wild Iris.

11. The State Tree The Bald Cypress was designated as our state tree in 1963. It grows in many areas of the state, particularly in freshwater swamps. The shape of the tree is greatly affected by the amount and duration of flooding in an area. The “knees” or roots of the cypress are one of the most notable features.

12. Get Seven Servings The 7 state fruits rotate every two years (which is the term of office for a state legislator). These are… -watermelon -fig -canteloupe -tomato -strawberry -orange -peach

13. To Wash it Down Many are surprised to know that the state drink of Louisiana is… Milk

14. Animal, Vegetable, Mineral Agate is the state gemstone of Louisiana. The state fossil is Petrified Palmwood.

15. The Music Louisiana is represented by several state songs: • “Give Me Louisiana” by Doralice Fontane • “Song of Louisiana” by Vashti Robertson Stopher • “You Are My Sunshine” by Governor Jimmie Davis • The state march song of Louisiana is “Louisiana My Home Sweet Home” by Sammie McKenzie, Lou Levoy, and Castro Carazo