Official state symbols date to the late 1800s, as legislatures throughout the U.S. sought to stake cultural claims and foster pride among their residents. First came flowers and flags.

Official state symbols date to the late 1800s, as legislatures throughout the U.S. sought to stake cultural claims and foster pride among their residents. First came flowers and flags.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A proposal to designate the tortilla as New Mexico's official state bread had unanimous support from lawmakers. On Friday, though, it ended up falling flat. It wasn't because ...

State symbols, particularly flags, serve as powerful tools for fostering unity and civic engagement, with 58% of Americans considering their state identity significant to their sense of self.