State Nickname

The Pine Tree State

State Motto

Dirigo - I Lead

State Seal

Adopted by the Legislature of 1820

 Maine became a state March 15, 1820, and in June of that year a committee was appointed by the Legislature "to report a suitable Device and Seal for the State of Maine."

There is no account of the deliberations of this Committee, but the description of the Laws of 1820 is so full that there is no doubt regarding the reasons for the choice of symbols: "A shield, argent, charged with a Pine Tree; a Moose Deer, at the foot of it, recumbent.

Supporters: on the dexter side, a Husbandman, resting on a scythe; on the sinister side, a Seaman, resting on an anchor.

In the foreground, representing sea and land, and under the shield, the name of the State in large Roman capitals.

The whole surmounted by a Crest, the North Star.   The motto, in small Roman capitals, in a label interposed between the Shield and the Crest, viz: 'Dirigo' - (I direct or I lead)."

State Capitol

Established by the Legislature of 1827

Augusta, Maine
also visit The State House for more information
about the Capitol Building

State Flower

Approved by the Legislature of 1895

The Pine Cone and Tassel (Pinus Strobus, Linnaeus) was declared
to be the floral emblem for Maine, in the National Garland of flowers.

State Flag

Adopted by the Legislature of 1909

The coat of arms of the State of Maine
on a blue field matching the shade of blue in the flag of the United States
was chosen as the official state flag.

The Executive Mansion

Established by the Legislature of 1919

Known as "The Blaine House," the former home of James G. Blaine, American statesmen, 1830-1893, is located adjacent to the Capitol.

It was presented to the State by Mrs. Harriet Blaine Beale and established by the Legislature of 1919 as the official residence of the Governor of Maine.

State Bird

Adopted by the Legislature of 1927

Chickadee (Parus Atricapillus) was adopted as
the official state bird
 
sitting in the

State Tree

Adopted by the Legislature of 1945

White Pine was designated as the official state tree

State of Maine Song
composed by Roger Vincent Snow

State Song

Adopted by the Legislature of 1937

State Fish

Adopted by the Legislature of 1969

Landlocked Salmon (Salmo salar Sebago)
was designated as the official state fish

State Mineral

Adopted by the Legislature of 1971

Tourmaline was designated as the
official state mineral

State Insect

Adopted by the Legislature of 1975

The Honeybee was designated as the
official insect of the State of Maine

State Animal

Adopted by the Legislature of 1979

The Moose was adopted as the official state animal
photo of moose by Mark Picard
 

State Cat

Adopted by the Legislature of 1985

Maine Coon Cat was designated as the
official state cat

State Fossil

Adopted by the Legislature of 1985

Pertica quadrifaria was desginated as the
official state fossil
 

also visit Fossils in the Statehouse for more information about fossils

State Vessel

Adopted by Legislature of 1988

The artic exploration schooner "Bowdoin" was designated
the official state vessel.
If ownership of the schooner is transferred to any entity other than
a non-profit corporation or to any person, firm or organization
located outside the State or if the schooner is leased to
any entity other than a nonprofit corporation,
the designation will be null and void.

Homeport: CASTINE
Owner/Manager: MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
Current Use: SAIL TRAINING
Access: OPEN BY APPOINTMENT BY MASTER, DOCKED AT ACADEMY PIER
Phone: 207-326-4311

State Berry

Adopted by the Legislature of 1991

The Wild Blueberry (vaccinium angustifolium, aiton)
was designated the official state berry
 

State Herb

Adopted by the Legislature of 1999

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
was designated the official state herb

State Soil

Adopted by the Legislature of 1999

Chesuncook Soil Series was adopted as the
official state soil

State Soft Drink

Adopted by the Legislature of 2005

Moxie was adopted as the
official state soft drink

learn more about Moxie