STATE FAVORITES

• Bird: bluebird
• Animal: beaver
• Flower: rose
• Tree: sugar maple
• Fruit: apple
• Muffin: apple muffin
• Fish: native brook trout
• Gem: wine-red garnet
• Song: "I Love New York "

HISTORICAL AND EDUCATIONAL LINKS

• New York State Library
• New York Library Association
• New York State Museum
• New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
• New York State Archives
• New York State Historical Association
• New-York Historical Society

FACTS

New York State covers approximately 47,214 square miles and has a population of just over nineteen million. The capital city is Albany and the largest city is New York City.

New York became a state on July 26, 1788. It was the 11th of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution.

The state's nickname is the Empire State, because of its wealth and natural resources. It's motto is Excelsior, meaning Ever Upward.

New York's motto is reflected on its state flag, adopted in 1778. Also appearing on the flag are Liberty (symbolizing freedom) and Justice.