Arkansas Symbols: Curious Facts Revealed On State Symbols And History

Christian Mba
Nov 01, 2023 By Christian Mba
Originally Published on Dec 30, 2021
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Arkansas symbols will tell you more about the history of the State of Arkansas.

The Arkansas legislature rejected a state flag proposal from the Federation of Women's Clubs in 1911, but the Arkansas Secretary of State set up a committee two years later to choose a suitable state flag.

A state flag created by Willie Hocker, and presented by the Pine Bluff chapter of Daughter of the American Revolution member, was selected among the 65 entries to the committee. The state flag was accepted by the legislature in 1913, and a copy was delivered to the battleship USS Arkansas.

Did you know that In 1985, Arkansas declared the fiddle to be the official musical instrument of Arkansas? At community meetings and square dances, the fiddle (violin) was an integral element of life for the early pioneers.

Quartz crustal, apple blossoms, and Arkansas waltz are some of the well-known symbols of Arkansas. After reading all about the various symbols of Arkansas, also check facts on Alabama's state flower and Argentina crafts.

The Symbols On The Arkansas Flag And Their Meaning

Symbols are a way for a state's rich heritage and natural state to be highlighted. Arkansas State has a number of state symbols that help to highlight the state's unique history.

The state capital of Arkansas is little rock. Arkansas' state flag is red, white, and blue, indicating that the state is a member of the United States. The big diamond signifies Arkansas, the United States' only diamond-producing state. The Confederacy is represented by the fourth lone star just above the word Arkansas.

Arkansas was a part of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, as indicated by the top of four stars in the center. The other three stars represent three nations- Spain, France, and the United States, who dominated the region that contains Arkansas formerly.

Some organizations, notably the Ku Klux Klan, utilize the "southern cross" as one of its insignia. In most cases, though, the American flag is used instead. For others, the Confederate state flag signifies nothing more than a bygone age of Southern sovereignty.

The diamond's edge is surrounded by a total of 25 white stars, representing Arkansas' status as the 25th state to join the Union. The Confederacy, to which Arkansas was inducted on May 18, 1861, is represented by the star above 'Arkansas.' Arkansas has been a territory of three different countries (France, Spain, and the US.)

The Arkansas State Seal holds the representation of the state of Arkansas. The phrase 'Regnat Populus' refers to 'The People Rule.'

The Latin state motto of Arkansas is one of many in the United States. 'The People Rule,' says the Latin motto. The origin of the slogan has been difficult to trace in historical records, therefore it is unknown how it came to be.

The famous motto meaning expresses the ambitions and conceptions of people's freedom, fairness, and rule independence. The motto honors the history of the American Revolution as well as Alabama's role in the Civil War.

Did you know that the song by Terry Rose and Gary Klaf's "Oh, Arkansas" was recognized as the official state song of Arkansas in 1987? Other state songs like The Arkansas Traveler,' 'Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me,' and 'Arkansas' are also some state songs commonly known.

Some state holidays of Arkansas are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year, Memorial Day, etc. Thanksgiving Day in Arkansas is observed on 25th November.

Arkansas State Motto And Its Significance

Do you want to know more about Arkansas state symbols? Keep reading to know more about the various other state symbols.

The state motto of Arkansas is Regnat Populus, which means 'the people rule.' The slogan is primarily employed in the Seal of Governmental and its variations, which are worn by various state officials.

Arkansas was granted statehood in 1836 under the rules of a constitution that required the governor to keep the state's Great Seal. The design of this great seal shall be 'the current seal of the territory until otherwise directed by the Arkansas general assembly,' as stated in Article 5, Section 12.

The Latin slogan Regnant Populi, which can be rendered as the people reign, was among the features of that seal.

The phrase's origin, whether in Latin or English, is uncertain.

Samuel Calhoun Roane, the recording clerk of the first territory assembly, is typically credited with designing the territorial seal's initial design. The phrase's inclusion in the Arkansas state seal was reaffirmed in 1864 by the Arkansas General Assembly, which also specified an updated, if not simplified, design for the omnibus emblem.

The Arkansas General Assembly changed the motto's Latin form in 1907 to better express the English version's meaning. On May 24, 1907, Acting Governor Xenophon O. Pindall signed an act changing the subject to populus, which refers to a single group, as in "the people."

When the verb was changed to agree with the subject, the motto became regnat populus, which is still used today.

Interesting fact! In acknowledgment of the Arkansas state's pine timber supplies and reforestation initiatives, Arkansas chose the pine tree as the official state tree in 1939.

In 1967, Arkansas made diamond the official state gem. Arkansas is one of the few states in America where the diamond is found, and it is also the one place where travelers can go diamond hunting. The state flag and Arkansas quarter both recognize the significance of this state gem in Arkansas history.

Quartz crystal is the state mineral of Arkansas.

Arkansas Grain Symbol And Its Significance

Throughout a period when Arkansas was among the biggest apple production in the region, the Apple Blossom was chosen as the state flower. The blooming Apple Blossom dominated the state's landscape and agriculture for more than a quarter-century after being named Arkansas' state flower.

In 2007, rice was designated as the Arkansas state grain. The state of Arkansas produces the most rice in the United States, and Stuttgart is regarded as the 'Rice and Duck Capital of the World.' The Arkansas Grand Prairie surrounds the town, and it was here that commercial rice production first began in the early 1900s.

In 1987, the South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato was designated as the state fruit and vegetable.

Did you know that in 2001, the Dutch oven was chosen as the Arkansas state official cooking vessel? The Dutch oven had been an important piece of kitchenware for ancient American settlers, and the Dutch oven is still popular among chefs today.

Dutch oven cooking instructions are available at several state parks throughout Arkansas, and Dutch oven cook-offs are particularly popular.

Did you know that bauxite is the official state rock of Arkansas? In 1967, Arkansas designated bauxite as the official state rock.

Bauxite ore was first discovered in the Arkansas state in the late 1880s, and this rock played a significant role in Saline County and the rest of the world. For a time, Bauxite, which got its name from the rock, produced the majority of the world's aluminum.

The Gann Museum, which opened in 1893, is the world's only known building composed of bauxite, the mineral that is used to manufacture aluminum.

Continuing to talk about rock, did you know that In 1967, the Quartz Crystal was designated as the official state mineral. In the Ouachitas, there are several dig-your-own crystal mines, most of which are located in the little town of Mount Ida, which is known as the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.

Mena, Jessieville, and Story all have more mines. Arkansas crystals are also sold in a number of rock shops around the mining sites in the Hot Springs mountains and the Ouachitas.

Arkansas Mammal And Insects Significance

Domesticated and wild animals, as well as humans, make up Arkansas' mammalian population. Domesticated mammals benefit the agriculture and pet sectors in Arkansas.

In 1993, Arkansas made the beautiful white-tailed deer its official state mammal. White-tailed deer are magnificent and powerful animals that can run up to 35 mph or 56 kph, leap nine ft (2.7 m) hurdles, and swim at speeds of 14 mph (22.4 kph).

When the deer are fleeing, the white underside of its tail waves and flashes as a warning when danger is detected. Fawns are born with white patches to help them blend in. The white-tailed deer provided buckskin and sustenance to both aboriginal Americans and settlers.

In 1973, the honeybee was named Arkansas' official state insect. Because honeybees serve such a vital part in farming, the honeybee is recognized as an official symbol in seventeen nations.

Pollination by bees is essential for plant and human existence; beeswax and honey are simply extra gifts from this tiny marvel of nature. Plants put a lot of effort into enticing bees and other insects with brightly colored blossoms and tasty nectar (nectar is produced solely to attract pollinating insects).

Did you know that in 1929, the Northern Mockingbird was designated as the official state bird of Arkansas? This bird is fascinating to listen to since it can imitate the sounds of a variety of birds and even other animals.

This state bird, which would be commonly seen in neighborhoods, can be seen all year in Arkansas. It likes wide regions with bushes and trees to hang out in.

In 2007, the Diana fritillary butterfly was named the official state butterfly of Arkansas. Diana fritillary butterflies are among the largest in the state, and these Diana fritillaries tend to prefer Arkansas' mountainous regions. In the summer months, Mount Magazine State Park is a great spot to watch this state butterfly, Diana fritillary.

Fun fact! Did you know that the American music icon, Johnny Cash, lived in Arkansas? The Johnny Cash boyhood home is known as a historic place as listed by NRHP IN 2018.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Arkansas symbols: curious facts revealed on state symbols and history then why not take a look at burrowing animals: fascinating facts on hole gophers for kids, or what kind of dog is bolt?

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Written by Christian Mba

Bachelor of Science specializing in Computer Science

Christian Mba picture

Christian MbaBachelor of Science specializing in Computer Science

Christian Mba is an experienced blogger and content writer with over a decade of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Nigeria and has a keen interest in Python programming. Along with his writing and blogging expertise, he is also an SEO specialist with more than six years of experience. Chris, as he is commonly known, has a passion for music and enjoys playing the piano.

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