National Bird:
The American Bald Eagle gained immediate,
unofficial recognition as our National bird when the Great Seal of the United States was
adopted on June 20, 1782. Official designation of the massive bird that has a
wingspan of from 6 to 8 feet did not come however, for six more years. During that
time it was the subject of fierce arguments by leading political leaders of the day.
The Bald Eagle can be found from Alaska to the northern border of
Mexico and from Pacific to Atlantic coast. It is the ONLY eagle that is found
exclusively on the North American continent. It is a true "Native
American". |
The Liberty Bell:
Liberty Bell has become the symbol of freedom in the United States.
It rang when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.
The Bell was cast in London, England in 1752. It
is made mostly of copper and tin. After it arrived in the U.S., the
Bell cracked. A new bell was made from the metal in the old one, but
this one also cracked. A third bell was built from the same metal, and
now this one has a crack too!
The last time the bell rang was on February 23,
1846 for George Washington's birthday celebration. Today, the Liberty
Bell hangs in Philadelphia. |
National Flower:
On September 23, 1986, the House of Representatives passed a joint resolution naming the rose as the "national floral emblem" of the United States. The Senate had passed the resolution in 1985.
The measure then went to President Ronald Reagan. He signed the resolution into law on October 7, 1986 in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.
On November 20, 1986, President Reagan signed Proclamation 5574: The National Floral Emblem of the United States of America: The Rose. |
The First State:
On December 7, 1787, Delaware, became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. Before that, it was the only colony to be claimed by Sweden, Holland and England. And before that, there is some evidence that Egyptian explorers found their way to the state. |
The 50th State:
On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States. Since that time, the people of Hawaii have celebrated their statehood with a special holiday on the third Friday in August. |
The Statue of Liberty:
The Statue of Liberty, one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor. A gift from the people of France in 1884, the Statue of Liberty is regarded as a symbol of the United States and an expression of freedom and opportunity.
The statue depicts liberty as a woman draped in flowing robes and carrying a lighted torch. She wears a crown of seven spikes that represent the seven seas and seven continents. In her left arm, she cradles a tablet bearing the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. |
The 14th State:
The first State to enter Union after original 13 was Vermont in 1791. |
First Woman in Senate:
In Nov 1932, Hattie Caraway of Arkansas became the first woman Senator. |
Capital Punishment:
In 1847, Michigan became the first State to abolish capital punishment.
Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to tax-paid high school education.
Michigan was also the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries. |
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