Kansas Symbols

Kansas, like other states, recognizes a number of symbols that represent its customs, cultures, and environment. Because Kansas is one of the major wheat production states, it is often referred to as the “Wheat State.” Other symbols, including the buffalo, cottonwood tree, honeybee, Western meadowlark, salamander, sunflower, and box turtle, little blue stem, and Harney loam silt are officially designated as state symbols.

Symbols become official through the legislative process. In 1861 the Kansas Legislature adopted the state seal. In 1986 when the state was celebrating its 125th birthday, a sixth grade class in Caldwell, Kansas, nominated the ornate box turtle to be the state reptile, which started the legislative process.

1861 - State Seal

1903 - State Flower: Wild Native Sunflower

1925 - State Banner

1927 - State Flag

1935 - State March: "The Kansas March"

1937 - State Bird: Western Meadowlark

1937 - State Tree: Cottonwood Tree

1947 - State Song: "Home on the Range"

1955 - State Animal: American Buffalo

1976 - State Insect: Honeybee

1986 - State Reptile: Ornate Box Turtle

1990 - State Soil: Harney Loam Silt