Founded: July 26, 1788

Nickname: New York acquired its nickname “Empire State” to recognize its vast wealth and variety of resources.
Source: State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols by Benjamin F. Shearer, Barbara S. Shearer.

Song: "I love New York".Words by: Steve Karmen .Music by: Steve Karmen

Tree: The sugar maple is our main source of maple syrup made from sap stored in its trunk. Its leaves are pointed and turn bright colors in the fall. The sugar maple was adopted as the State tree in 1956.

Flag: Emblazoned on a dark blue field is the state coat of arms. The goddess Liberty holds a pole with a Liberty Cap on top. Liberty stands for freedom. At her feet is a discarded crown, representing freedom from England at the end of the revolutionary war. On the right is the goddess, Justice. She wears a blindfold and carries the scales of justice. Meaning that everyone receives equal treatment under the law. The state motto "Excelsior" on a white ribbon expresses the idea of reaching upward to higher goals. On the shield a sun rises over the Hudson highlands and ships sail the Hudson river. Above the shield is an eagle resting on a globe representing the Western Hemisphere.

State Beverage : Milk comes from the dairy cow. Butter, cheese and ice cream are made from milk. It was adopted as the State beverage in 1981.

Animal: Beavers build dams across streams by packing mud with their long, flat tails. The beaver was adopted as the State animal in 1975.

         Fruit: The apple was adopted as the State fruit in 1976. Apples are sweet and crisp. They come in many varieties, such as Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Winesap.

Capital: Albany

Flower: The rose was adopted as the State flower in 1955. Roses are soft, fragrant flowers with thorny stems. They grow in bushes and are seen in many gardens.