The United States is a big country with 50 states, and each has its own unique features and characteristics. We are going to cover some basic information about each state, including its bird, flower, and the date they became a state. We’ll also include some fun facts and trivia that interest kids. Our printable set includes all 50 states and 50 fun facts worksheets.
The United States and Its States The United States is located in North America and comprises 50 states. Here is a list of all 50 states and their two-letter abbreviations:
- Alabama (AL)
- Alaska (AK)
- Arizona (AZ)
- Arkansas (AR)
- California (CA)
- Colorado (CO)
- Connecticut (CT)
- Delaware (DE)
- Florida (FL)
- Georgia (GA)
- Hawaii (HI)
- Idaho (ID)
- Illinois (IL)
- Indiana (IN)
- Iowa (IA)
- Kansas (KS)
- Kentucky (KY)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Maine (ME)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- Michigan (MI)
- Minnesota (MN)
- Mississippi (MS)
- Missouri (MO)
- Montana (MT)
- Nebraska (NE)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- New Mexico (NM)
- New York (NY)
- North Carolina (NC)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Ohio (OH)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- Oregon (OR)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- South Carolina (SC)
- South Dakota (SD)
- Tennessee (TN)
- Texas (TX)
- Utah (UT)
- Vermont (VT)
- Virginia (VA)
- Washington (WA)
- West Virginia (WV)
- Wisconsin (WI)
- Wyoming (WY)
50 States and 50 Fun Facts Information
Now that we’ve seen all 50 states, let’s dive into some basic information about each one:
- Alabama: state bird is the Yellowhammer, the state flower is the Camellia, and it became a state on December 14, 1819. Fun fact: Alabama is home to the world’s first Electric Trolley System.
- Alaska: state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan, the state flower is the Forget-Me-Not, and it became a state on January 3, 1959. Fun fact: Alaska is the largest state in the United States and has the most glaciers.
- Arizona: state bird is the Cactus Wren, the state flower is the Saguaro Cactus Blossom, and it became a state on February 14, 1912. Fun fact: Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
- Arkansas: state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, the state flower is the Apple Blossom, and it became a state on June 15, 1836. Fun fact: Arkansas is known as the Natural State, with over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,000 miles of streams and rivers.
- California: state bird is the California Quail, the state flower is the California Poppy, and it became a state on September 9, 1850. Fun fact: California is the most populous state in the United States and is known for Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
- Colorado: state bird is the Lark Bunting, the state flower is the Rocky Mountain Columbine, and it became a state on August 1, 1876. Fun fact: Colorado is known for its beautiful mountains and is home to the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
- Connecticut: state bird is the American Robin, the state flower is the Mountain Laurel, and it became a state on January 9, 1788. Fun fact: Connecticut is home to Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
- Delaware: state bird is the Blue Hen Chicken, the state flower is the Peach Blossom, and it became a state on December 7, 1787. Fun fact: Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, but it played a significant role in its founding.
- Florida: state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, the state flower is the Orange Blossom, and it became a state on March 3, 1845. Fun fact: Florida is known as the Sunshine State and is home to many famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World.
- Georgia: state bird is the Brown Thrasher, the state flower is the Cherokee Rose, and it became a state on January 2, 1788. Fun fact: Georgia is known for its peaches and is home to the Master’s Golf Tournament.
- Hawaii: state bird is the Nene (Hawaiian Goose), the state flower is the Hawaiian Hibiscus, and it became a state on August 21, 1959. Fun fact: Hawaii is the only state that is entirely made up of islands and is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing.
- Idaho: state bird is the Mountain Bluebird, the state flower is the Syringa, and it became a state on July 3, 1890. Fun fact: Idaho is known for its potatoes and is home to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
- Illinois: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Violet, and it became a state on December 3, 1818. Fun fact: Illinois is known for its deep-dish pizza and is home to the Willis Tower, the second tallest building in the United States.
- Indiana: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Peony, and it became a state on December 11, 1816. Fun fact: Indiana is known for the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in the world.
- Iowa: state bird is the American Goldfinch, the state flower is the Wild Rose, and it became a state on December 28, 1846. Fun fact: Iowa is known for its fields of corn and is home to the Amana Colonies, a historic German community.
- Kansas: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Sunflower, and it became a state on January 29, 1861. Fun fact: Kansas is known for its wide open spaces and is home to the Oz Museum, which celebrates the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.”
- Kentucky: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Goldenrod, and it became a state on June 1, 1792. Fun fact: Kentucky is known for its bourbon and horse racing, and is home to the Kentucky Derby.
- Louisiana: state bird is the Brown Pelican, the state flower is the Magnolia, and it became a state on April 30, 1812. Fun fact: Louisiana is known for its jazz music and delicious cuisine, especially its spicy gumbo.
- Maine: state bird is the Black-capped Chickadee, the state flower is the White Pine Cone and Tassel, and it became a state on March 15, 1820. Fun fact: Maine is known for its lobsters and is home to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
- Maryland: state bird is the Baltimore Oriole, the state flower is the Black-eyed Susan, and it became a state on April 28, 1788. Fun fact: Maryland is known for its crab cakes and is home to the United States Naval Academy.
- Massachusetts: state bird is the Black-capped Chickadee, the state flower is the Mayflower, and it became a state on February 6, 1788. Fun fact: Massachusetts is known for its historic sites, including the Plymouth Plantation and the Freedom Trail.
- Michigan: state bird is the American Robin, the state flower is the Apple Blossom, and it became a state on January 26, 1837. Fun fact: Michigan is known for its Great Lakes and is home to the Henry Ford Museum, which celebrates the history of American innovation.
- Minnesota: state bird is the Common Loon, the state flower is the Pink and White Lady’s Slipper, and it became a state on May 11, 1858. Fun fact: Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes and is home to the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States.
- Mississippi: state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, the state flower is the Magnolia, and it became a state on December 10, 1817. Fun fact: Mississippi is known for its blues music and delicious Southern cuisine, including fried chicken and sweet tea.
- Missouri: state bird is the Eastern Bluebird, the state flower is the Hawthorn, and it became a state on August 10, 1821. Fun fact: Missouri is known for its barbecue and is home to the Gateway Arch, a famous monument in St. Louis.
- Montana: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Bitterroot, and it became a state on November 8, 1889. Fun fact: Montana is known for its beautiful national parks, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
- Nebraska: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Goldenrod, and it became a state on March 1, 1867. Fun fact: Nebraska is known for its corn and is home to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
- Nevada: state bird is the Mountain Bluebird, the state flower is the Sagebrush, and it became a state on October 31, 1864. Fun fact: Nevada is known for its casinos and is home to Area 51, a top-secret military base rumored to be the site of experiments on extraterrestrial life.
- New Hampshire: state bird is the Purple Finch, the state flower is the Purple Lilac, and it became a state on June 21, 1788. Fun fact: New Hampshire is known for its scenic White Mountains and is home to the famous Old Man of the Mountain rock formation.
- New Jersey: state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch, the state flower is the Violet, and it became a state on December 18, 1787. Fun fact: New Jersey is known for its boardwalks and beaches, including the famous Atlantic City boardwalk.
- New Mexico: state bird is the Greater Roadrunner, the state flower is the Yucca, and it became a state on January 6, 1912. Fun fact: New Mexico is known for its spicy chili peppers and is home to the famous Carlsbad Caverns.
- New York: state bird is the Eastern Bluebird, the state flower is the Rose, and it became a state on July 26, 1788. Fun fact: New York is known for its towering skyscrapers and famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls.
- North Carolina: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Dogwood, and it became a state on November 21, 1789. Fun fact: North Carolina is known for its beaches and is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first powered flight occurred.
- North Dakota: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Wild Prairie Rose, and it became a state on November 2, 1889. Fun fact: North Dakota is known for its oil production and is home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
- Ohio: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Scarlet Carnation, and it became a state on March 1, 1803. Fun fact: Ohio is known for its amusement parks and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Oklahoma: state bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, the state flower is the Oklahoma Rose, and it became a state on November 16, 1907. Fun fact: Oklahoma is known for its cowboys and oil wells, and is home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
- Oregon: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Oregon Grape, and it became a state on February 14, 1859. Fun fact: Oregon is known for its beautiful coastline and is home to Crater Lake National Park.
- Pennsylvania: state bird is the Ruffed Grouse, the state flower is the Mountain Laurel, and it became a state on December 12, 1787. Fun fact: Pennsylvania is known for its Amish communities and is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
- Rhode Island: state bird is the Rhode Island Red, the state flower is the Violet, and it became a state on May 29, 1790. Fun fact: Rhode Island is known for its beautiful beaches and is home to the historic mansions of Newport.
- South Carolina: state bird is the Carolina Wren, the state flower is the Yellow Jessamine, and it became a state on May 23, 1788. Fun fact: South Carolina is known for its historic plantations and is home to the famous Myrtle Beach.
- South Dakota: state bird is the Ring-necked Pheasant, the state flower is the Pasque Flower, and it became a state on November 2, 1889. Fun fact: South Dakota is known for Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, two famous sculptures carved into mountains.
- Tennessee: state bird is the Mockingbird, the state flower is the Iris, and it became a state on June 1, 1796. Fun fact: Tennessee is known as the birthplace of country music and is home to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
- Texas: state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, the state flower is the Bluebonnet, and it became a state on December 29, 1845. Fun fact: Texas is known for its cowboys and oil wells, and is home to the Alamo and the Space Center in Houston.
- Utah: state bird is the California Gull, the state flower is the Sego Lily, and it became a state on January 4, 1896. Fun fact: Utah is known for its stunning national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon.
- Vermont: state bird is the Hermit Thrush, the state flower is the Red Clover, and it became a state on March 4, 1791. Fun fact: Vermont is known for its delicious maple syrup and is home to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory.
- Virginia: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Dogwood, and it became a state on June 25, 1788. Fun fact: Virginia is known for its historic landmarks, including Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
- Washington: state bird is the American Goldfinch, the state flower is the Coast Rhododendron, and it became a state on November 11, 1889. Fun fact: Washington is known for its coffee culture and is home to Seattle’s Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
- West Virginia: state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Rhododendron, and it became a state on June 20, 1863. Fun fact: West Virginia is known for its coal mining history and is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s longest steel arch bridges.
- Wisconsin: state bird is the American Robin, the state flower is the Wood Violet, and it became a state on May 29, 1848. Fun fact: Wisconsin is known for its cheese and is home to the Wisconsin Dells, a popular tourist destination.
- Wyoming: state bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Indian Paintbrush, and it became a state on July 10, 1890. Fun fact: Wyoming is known for its stunning national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
See our 50 Fun Facts Printables in our Etsy store HERE: 50 States, 50 Fun Facts
Final Thoughts
The United States is a diverse and fascinating country, made up of 50 states, each with its own unique history and culture. From the sunny beaches of California to the snowy mountains of Colorado, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this great country.
By learning about the different states and their symbols, kids can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the United States. And with the help of printable worksheets and other resources, they can have fun while learning at the same time.
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