What is the national symbol of america

Symbols of the United States of America (With Images)

Table of Contents

There are many national symbols of the United States, from flora and fauna to monuments and structures that awe and inspire with their majesty and symbolism. While each state of America has its own symbols, the following are the most popular national symbols, representing the cultural heritage, beliefs, values and traditions of the Untied States.

National Symbols of the United States of America

The National Flag of the USA

The American flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, is made up of several elements, each with its own symbolism. The design is comprised of thirteen red and white horizontal stripes, with a blue rectangle in the upper left corner. The stripes stand for the thirteen British colonies which became the first U.S states after declaring independence from Great Britain.

Fifty white, five-pointed stars can be seen inside the blue rectangle, all arranged horizontally in rows of six alternating with rows of five. These stars represent the 50 states of the country.

The earlier designs of the U.S flag had varying numbers of stars, but then a 50-star flag ordered by President Eisenhower in 1959 was created to mark the addition of Alaska to the union. Eisenhower selected it from a variety of 27flag designs, and since then it’s been the longest-used version, flown for over 60 years.

Great Seal of the USA

Designed by the Continental Congress, the Great Seal is the official emblem of the United States of America, a symbol of government authority and a mark of identification. The seal depicts a blue circle with another national symbol, the American bald eagle, holding a ribbon with the motto of U.S.A in its beak.

The bald eagle holds an olive branch in one foot to symbolize peace and a bundle of thirteen arrows indicative of war in the other. The olive branch and the arrows symbolize that while the U.S.A has a desire for peace, it will ever be ready for war. In front of the eagle is a shield with 13 white and red stripes which represent the 13 colonies. The blue bar above signifies the unity of those colonies.

North American Bison

The American Bison is the largest land mammal native to North America. The native Americans shared their land with this majestic animal and to them, it was considered sacred and was highly revered. There are many stories and legends about the American Bison.

The Bison represents abundance, might and freedom. Its symbolic power aligns with the spirit of one’s inner strength and connects one to the Great Spirit and the Great Mother. It was an extremely important animal to the Native Americans which is one of the main reasons why it was sacred to them. The Native Americans honored and used every part of the Bison, letting nothing go waste. It provided them with food, tools and warmth and they were grateful to it for its generosity.

The Bison joined the ranks of the American Bald Eagle when it was declared the national mammal of the United States of America and is now an official emblem of the country.

Bald Eagle

The American Bald Eagle has been famous as the national bird of the US ever since it was officially placed on the Great Seal of the country in 1782. Indigenous to North America, the image of this bird first appeared on the Massachusetts copper cent in 1776 as an American symbol. Since then it has been used on the reverse side of several U.S. coins including the half dollar, quarter and the silver dollar.

The bald eagle has been seen as a symbol of courage, freedom, strength and immortality for many generations. Although it was once plentiful throughout the country, its population has declined greatly over the years. Many were killed by farmers and fishers for getting too close to their fishing nets or poultry and many more were killed by gamekeepers. Now, most of the eagle population is limited to the northern parts of North America and breeding sanctuaries in Florida.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a 555-foot tall, obelisk-shaped structure, built to honor the first U.S. President, George Washington. Completed in 1884 and opened to the public four years later, it was the tallest building in the world and still remains the tallest in the District of Columbia, U.S.A.

The original plan for the Monument was to have a prominent statue built near the White House to honor the President. However, the National Monument Society decided to have a design competition instead which was won by architect Robert Mills with his winning obelisk design.

The Monument symbolizes the respect, gratitude and awe felt by the nation for its Founding Father. Hence, no other building in the district is allowed to be taller. Its obelisk shape evokes the symbolism of ancient Egypt and the timelessness of the ancient civilizations. Today, it remains one of the most impressive and important symbols unique to America.

White House

The construction of the White House began in October of 1792 and was overseen by President Washington, although he never lived in it. The building was only completed in 1800. President Adams moved into the White House with his family and since then every President of the United States has resided in the White House, each adding his own alterations to it.

For over two hundred years, the White House has been a symbol of the American people, the government of the United States and the Presidency. It’s also known as ‘The People’s House’.. It’s the only private residence of any head of state that’s open to the public, completely free of charge.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, standing in the Upper New York Bay, U.S.A, is a universally recognized symbol of freedom. It was originally an emblem of friendship between France and U.S., indicating their mutual desire for freedom. However, it’s become so much more over the years. In addition to the name ‘Statue of Liberty’, it’s also known known as the Mother of Exiles, greeting thousands of immigrants from all over the world. The Statue signifies hope and the opportunity for people seeking a better life in the U.S. It gives people the desire for freedom and is representative of the United States of America itself.

Liberty Bell

Previously called Old State House Bell or State House Bell, the Liberty Bell is a famous symbol of freedom and of the American independence. It was used to call lawmakers to legislative meetings and other people to public meetings. It was called the ‘Liberty Bell’ by people in the early 1800s who used it as a symbol against slavery.

The Liberty Bell is known for its famous crack. The first bell, cast in England in 1752, was made for the State House of Pennsylvania. Upon its arrival in Pennsylvania, it cracked and a new one had to be cast from the same metal as the first. Later on in 1846, another crack began to form in the bell. The crack was repaired, and the bell was rung for George Washington’s birthday that year, but it cracked once again and hasn’t been rung since then for fear that it would be damaged irreparably.

The world-famous Liberty Bell is kept on display next to the Independence Hall in a visitor center where millions of people visit it each year. It continues to be one of the most famous symbols of justice and freedom.

Named the national flower of the U.S.A in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, the rose has been around for over 35 million years, growing naturally all throughout North America. Available in various colors, roses have a rich aroma and the petals and rose hips have been used for medicinal purposes since the ancient times not only by Americans but all over the world.

In the hearts of Americans, roses are held dear as symbols of love, life, devotion, eternity and beauty. The White House boasts a gorgeous Rose Garden and rose bushes are grown in each of the fifty states. Parades and celebrations are decorated with these beautiful flowers and they’re also placed on graves or coffins as a way of honoring the dead.

Oak Tree

The Oak Tree is the official national tree of the U.S.A as declared by Senator Nelson in 2004. It’s one of the newer additions to the list of national symbols in the United States of America. The Oak Tree was chosen to represent the strength of the nation since it grows from just a tiny acorn into a highly powerful entity with many branches that continue to increase in strength, reaching towards the sky over time. There are about 50 different species of oak in the U.S.A which are extremely popular due to their beautiful foliage and strong wood. The Oak tree stands for moral, strength, knowledge and resistance, considered a storehouse of wisdom which is why it was the most obvious and popular choice for the national tree of the U.S.

Wrapping Up…

The above is only some of the most famous and instantly recognizable American symbols. These symbols represent the ideals and values that America is known for, including strength, freedom, liberty, power and patriotism.

Национальные символы Америки

National symbols of USA.

The American flag is often called «The Stars and Stripes», it is also called «Old Glory». It represents the growth of the nation. It has 13 horizontal stripes,7 red and 6 white which stand for the original 13 states. In the top left hand corner there are 50 white stars on a blue background: one star for each state.

The national anthem of the United States is «The Star Spangled Banner». The words written during the Anglo-American war of 1812—1814 and set to the music of an old song. Every state has its own flag, its own emblem and its own anthem too.

The eagle became the national emblem of the country in 1782. It has an olive branch (a symbol of peace) and arrows (a symbol of strength). You can see the eagle on the back of a dolliar bill.

The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of American democracy. It stands on Liberty Island in New York. It is one of the first things people see when they arrive in New York by sea. This National Monument was a present from France to the USA. France gave the statue to America in 1884 as a symbol of friendship. Liberty carries the torch of freedom — in her right hand. In her left hand she is holding a tablet with the inscription «July 4, 1776» — American Independence Day.

Перевод:

Американский флаг часто называют «звезды и полосы», также иногда «старая слава». Он символизирует развитие нации. На нем 13 горизонтальных полосок, из которых 7 — красные, а 6 — белые, которые представляют 13 первоначальных штатов. В верхнем левом углу расположено 50 белых звездочек на голубом фоне: каждая звезда обозначает один штат.

Государственный гимн Америки — это «Усыпанный звездами флаг». Слова его были написаны во время англо- американской войны 1812—1814 гг. и положены на мелодию одной старой песни. У каждого штата свой собственный флаг, свой собственный символ и свой собственный гимн.

Орел стал национальной эмблемой страны в 1782 году. У него есть также оливковая веточка (символ мира) и стрелы (символ силы). Орла можно также увидеть на обратной стороне доллара.

Статуя Свободы — символ американской демократии. Она стоит на острове Свободы в Нью-Йорке. Когда люди приезжают в Нью-Йорк морем, то первое, что они видят — это статуя Свободы. Этот памятник США получили в подарок от Франции в 1884 г. Франция преподнесла памятник Америке как символ дружбы. В правой руке у Свободы — факел свободы. В левой руке она держит табличку с надписью «4 июля 1776 года» — День независимости Америки.

Legends of America

Traveling through American history, destinations & legends since 2003.

United States Symbols

The United States, like every nation has its symbols — specific objects that represent beliefs, values, traditions, or other intangible ideas that make it unique. These symbols can help to bind a nation together by reminding its people of their nation’s history and most important principles.

The United States has several symbols that represent these principles

Pledge of Allegiance. Click for 8.5 x 11 printing. Also available in mini-poster print HERE.

United States Flag – The flag of the United States is commonly known as the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory.” On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” It is unknown whether Betsy Ross sewed the first flag created under this resolution; many historians view this story as a myth. The current 50-star flag is the 27th edition of the flag and the one that has been in use the longest, since 1960. In 1818, Congress passed a law stating that a new star be added for each new state; the 13 stripes would remain constant to represent the 13 colonies.

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and can be found in all of the contiguous United States and Alaska. Photo by Saffron Blaze.

National Bird – Bald Eagle – The bald eagle has long been the national bird of the United States. In 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States, which depicts a bald eagle holding 13 olive branches in one talon and 13 arrows in the other. The olive branch stands for the power to make peace, while the arrows stand for the power to make war. The bald eagle was chosen because of its long life, great strength, and majestic looks, and because it was believed to exist only on this continent at the time.

National Mammal – North American Bison – The bison, like the bald eagle, has for many years been a symbol of America for its strength, endurance, and dignity, reflecting the pioneer spirit of our country. The bison was officially made the National Mammal in May 2016 and designated during a ceremony at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota in November. Tens of millions of bison, also known as buffalo, once thundered across a range stretching from central Canada through the Great Plains and northern Mexico. After a century-long slaughter driven by commercial hunting for buffalo pelts, the population dwindled to a thousand or fewer by the late 1800s. However, about 30,000 wild bison now once again roam the country, with the largest population in Yellowstone National Park. They can also be found scattered in public, tribal, and private lands in the U.S. and Canada.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Carol Highsmith.

The Liberty Bell – When the Pennsylvania colony’s leaders wanted a bell for its state house (now known as Independence Hall) that could be heard around the city, the Liberty Bell was commissioned in 1752. One side of the bell has a biblical quote: “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The most notable feature of the bell, though, is a crack in the metal that runs up from the bell’s lip. Although there is no proof, many people believe that the Liberty Bell was rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. In the 1830s, abolitionists adopted the bell as a symbol of their struggle to abolish slavery; they popularized the name the Liberty Bell. Between 1885 and 1915, the bell traveled around the country for exhibitions and patriotic events. The bell currently resides in the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia’s Independence Mall. The bell’s crack is the source of many stories that have reached nearly mythic proportion; the crack’s appearance may have added to the bell’s symbolic power.

The Star-spangled Banner by James Fuller Queen, 1861. Click for 8.5 x 11 printing.

The National Anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has a colorful history. Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the anthem as a poem in 1814, after he witnessed the British Navy bombarding ships during the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812. The melody was “borrowed” from the tune of a popular British song. The song became the official national anthem in 1931, replacing several other songs commonly sung at public events. The anthem is somewhat controversial because of its war-related imagery and the challenge that the music poses to singers.

National Motto – In God We Trust – In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower approved a Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress declaring “In God We Trust” as the official national motto of the United States of America. This motto supplanted “E Pluribus Unum” that had been in use since the initial 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States. The motto first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin.

The Great Seal of the United States.

Great Seal of the United States – This seal, established in 1782, is used to authenticate certain documents such as foreign treaties and presidential proclamations. The symbols on the seal reflect the beliefs and values that the Founding Fathers wanted to pass on to their descendants. In the center of the seal is our national bird — the bald eagle that holds a scroll in its beak inscribed with our original national motto: “E Pluribus Unum,” which is Latin for “one from many”, representing a nation created from 13 colonies. The eagle grasps an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its left, representing the power of peace and war. The reverse side of the Great Seal depicts the national coat of arms which is used on numerous documents including United States passports, military insignia, embassy placards, and various flags. The coat of arms includes a 13-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals, an eye at the top of a pyramid with the Latin motto “Annuit Coeptis” which means “He favors our undertakings.” Below the pyramid, a scroll reads “Novus Ordo Seclorum”, which is Latin for “New Order of the Ages” referring to 1776 as the beginning of the American new era.

Uncle Sam – With the initials “U.S”, Uncle Sam is a common national personification of the U.S. federal government or the country in general that, according to legend, came into use during the War of 1812. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. He is portrayed as an older, bearded man dressed in clothes that evoke the U.S. flag. While the figure of Uncle Sam represents specifically the government, Columbia represents the United States as a nation.

National Tree – Oak Tree – The mighty oak tree was designated as the official national tree of the United States of America in 2004. With more than 60 species of oak grow in the United States, it is cherished for its beauty, abundant shade, and top-quality lumber. One U.S. senator said: “It is a fine choice to represent our nation’s strength, as it grows from just an acorn into a powerful entity whose many branches continue to strengthen and reach skyward with every passing year.”

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty – With the formal title of “Liberty Enlightening the World, the statue was a gift to the United States from the people of France. Dedicated in 1886, the statue shows Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. Located in New York Harbor, the statue holds a torch in one hand and a tablet representing the law in the other. The date of the Declaration of Independence is inscribed on the tablet. A broken chain sits at Libertas’s feet. The statue is an iconic symbol of freedom. Protestors around the world have used the image of the statue in their struggles for political freedom. Today the neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is a major tourist attraction.

National Flower – Rose – The rose was designated as the official flower and floral emblem of the United States of America in 1986. The rose grows naturally throughout North America, blooming in several colors including red, pink, white, or yellow, and can have a wonderfully rich aroma. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, as as well as war and politics, all over the world. Several of the 50 states have also adopted the rose as their official state flower, including New York, Oklahoma, Georgia, Iowa, and North Dakota.

Compiled by Kathy Weiser-Alexander, April 2020.

United States Symbols. Click for 8.5 x 11 printing. Click HERE for mini-poster print.

List of American Symbols

Stars and stripes are among the most famous symbols of Americana.

National symbols refer to patriotic symbols that represent countries or nations. Occasionally, symbols could be used for ethnic or cultural groups which do not have national or political autonomy. The most famous national symbol of the United States is the flag. Here are some other symbols that represent the United States of America.

Red, white, and blue

The red, white, and blue colors are common in the American flag among other heraldic devices like the seal. When they were adopted in the American flag in 1777, they did not have meanings, but in the seal, the colors had meanings which have been transferred to the colors of the flag. The red color signifies hardiness and valor, the white stands for purity and innocence, while the blue color represents vigilance, justice, and perseverance. Over the years, people have given new meanings to the colors which differ from the original interpretation. According to some people, the red color represents the blood shed by the Patriots who were fighting to protect the country.

Apple pie

Apple pie is one of the unofficial symbols of the US and is recorded as among the signature comfort foods in the country. Traditionally, apple pie is served with ice cream or whipped cream. Apple pie was introduced by the British, the Dutch, and Swedes to the colonies in the 17th and the 18th centuries.

Bald eagle

The bald eagle is a national animal as well as the national bird of the US. The bird appears on the obverse side of the Great American Seal. The bald eagle is depicted holding 13 arrows on its left legs and a branch of olive on its right leg. The 13 arrows represent the original colonies, and the olive represents the country’s desire for peace and its readiness for war. The bald eagle was almost extinct in the 20th century, but their populations have so far recovered. The bald eagle’s name is derived from the old meaning of the word white-headed. The adult eagle is white-headed, and its tail is also white.

Stars and stripes

The 50 stars in the American flag represent the 50 states in the country, and the 13 white and red stripes represent the original 13 colonies. However, there is another interpretation of the stars and the stripes, which is not known to many people. According to 1977 the House of Representatives book, it states that «the star symbolizes heavens and the divine goal that humans have aspired from time immemorial.» The stripes symbolize the rays of light originating from the sun.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam is the personification of the government of the US which is believed to have come into common use during the War of 1812. It is believed that Samuel Wilson of New York is the originator of the name. Uncle Sam has become a common symbol of the US government in American culture, starting from the 19th century. Although it is not clear whether the original Uncle Sam was Samuel Wilson, the United States congress in 1961 adopted the resolution to honor Samuel Wilson of Troy as the progenitor of Uncle Sam that has become America’s national symbol.

Smokey the Bear

Smokey the Bear has become an American advertising ad campaign icon. It was created by the artist Albert Staehle and has been adopted the US Forest Service, particularly in the campaigns on prevention of wildfires. The campaign has been one of the longest-running announcement campaigns in the country’s history. The US Forest Service (USFS), the Ad Council, creative agency (FCB), and the National Association of State Forest (NASF) use the Smokey Bear in educating the public on wildfires caused by humans. The earliest campaigns featuring Smokey the Bear started in the 1940s.

Paul Bunyan

Editorial credit: Jane Rix / Shutterstock.com.

Paul Bunyan is another American symbol that is represented by a giant lumberjack and has been commonly used in American folklore. Its origin is traced to the oral tradition of the loggers in North America and was popularized in 1916. So far, it has been a subject of different musical pieces, theatrical productions, and commercial works. His statutes are displayed in different places all over North America.

Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell is found in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it is one of America’s iconic symbols. The bell was initially housed in the Independence Hall, but today it is housed in the Independence National Historical Park at the Liberty Bell Centre. It was commissioned by the provincial assembly of Pennsylvania in 1752. After WWII, the National Park Service took custody of the bell.

Columbia

Columbia is the personification of the US as a nation, and this is in contrast with Uncle Sam, which is the personification of the government. Columbia is a historical name describing the new world and the Americas. Names such as Columbia River, District of Columbia, and Columbia University among others are derived from the name. Its origin is traced to Christopher Columbus.

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter has become America’s cultural icon that represents women who were working in shipyards and other factories during WWII. It has become a symbol of feminism in America. Rosie the Riveter has its origins in 1942 in a song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob.

Official Symbols of the USA

The flag of the United States is commonly known as the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory.” It was adopted on June 14, 1777. The 50 stars on the blue field stand for 50 states and the 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 colonies the USA emerged from. There is a legend that the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, a seamstress (швея) from Philadelphia, and it was she who changed the stars on the flag from 6-pointed to easier-to-produce 5-pointed stars. The current 50-star flag is the 27th “edition” of the flag and the one that has been in use the longest, since 1960.

The Great Seal of the United Statesis used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The Great Seal was first used publicly in 1782.The obverseof the great seal is used as the national coat of armsof the United States. It is officially used on documents such as United States passports, military insignia, embassyplacards, and various flags. The Seal depicts a bald eagle holding 13 olive branches in one talon and 13 arrows in the other. The olive branch stands for the power to make peace, while the arrows stand for the power to make war.

Other official national symbols are:

National anthem: «The Star-Spangled Banner»

National mottos: «In God We Trust», «E Pluribus Unum» (лат. «измногих – единое»)

National bird: Bald Eagle

National floral emblem: Rose

National tree: oak

Unofficial Symbols of the USA

Uncle Sam (initials U.S.) is a common national personification of the American government. The first use of Uncle Sam in literature was in the 1816 allegorical book «The Adventures of Uncle Sam in Search After His Lost Honor» by Frederick Augustus Fidfaddy, Esq. An Uncle Sam is mentioned as early as 1775, in the original «Yankee Doodle» lyrics of the Revolutionary War. It is not clear whether this reference is to Uncle Sam as a metaphor for the United States, or to an actual person named Sam.

Other unofficial national symbols are:

Sights: the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore

Sports: baseball, football

Food: apple pie, hot-dog, bourbon whiskey

Check yourself. Answer the questions:

1. What city was the 1 st capital of the USA?

2. What is District of Columbia?

3. What is the largest US state? The smallest one?

4. What language has the status of the official one at federal level?

5. What is the nickname of the American Flag?

6. What do the 13 stripes on the US flag stand for?

7. What is American national bird, national tree, and national flower?