Missouri State Symbols

Chapter 10 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) is titled “State Emblems” and is reserved for designating certain classes of things an “official state __________.” There is no legal definition of what qualifies as a state emblem, otherwise known as a state symbol. The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office is the de facto keeper of state symbols and the official keeper of one in particular: the state seal.

State symbols are meant to be educational, especially for school children. Several of Missouri’s state symbols were proposed by students and teachers. Missouri’s 40* official state symbols represent plant and animal life one may encounter in Missouri, as well as the traditions, practices and tourism opportunities valued in the state.

Click on a symbol below to learn more.

State American Folk Dance
State American Folk Dance

State Amphibian
State Amphibian

State Animal
State Animal

State Aquatic Animal
State Aquatic Animal

State Arboreal Emblem
State Arboreal Emblem (State Tree)

State Bird
State Bird

State Child Abuse Prevention
State Child Abuse Prevention Symbol

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State Dessert

State Dinosaur
State Dinosaur

State Endangered Species
State Endangered Species

State Exercise
State Exercise

State Fish
State Fish

State Flag
State Flag

State Floral Emblem
State Floral Emblem (State Flower)

State Fossil
State Fossil

State Fruit Tree
State Fruit Tree

State Game Bird
State Game Bird

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State Gold Star Memorial Monuments

State Grape
State Grape

State Grass
State Grass

Historical Dog
State Historical Dog

State Hockey Team
State Hockey Team

State Horse
State Horse

State Insect
State Insect

State Invertebrate
State Invertebrate

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State Korean War Veterans Memorial

State Lithologic Emblem
State Lithologic Emblem (State Rock)

State Mineral
State Mineral

State Monument
State Monument

State Motto
State Motto

State Musical Instrument
State Musical Instrument

State Purple Martin Capital
State Purple Martin Capital

State Reptile
State Reptile

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State Rifle

State Seal
State Seal

State Song
State Song

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State Sport

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State Tartan

State Tree Nut
State Tree Nut

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State UFO Capitals of Missouri

State Wonder Dog
State Wonder Dog

 

Order a State Symbols Coloring Book and State Symbols Poster from the Secretary of State Publications Division.

https://s1.sos.mo.gov/publications/onlineordering/

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*The state motto is technically part of the state seal statute, but could be counted separately, making the total 41 instead of 40. The several Gold Star Memorial Monuments are counted as one symbol.