Florida became the 27th state in 1845 and is the 3rd largest state by population with over 21.3 million residents. It is also the 26th largest state by land and water area with a total area of 65,755 square miles. Jacksonville, which is Florida's largest city, is the nation's 13th largest city with a population of approximately 800,000 people. Florida is home to the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine.
Spanish explorer, Ponce de León, arrived near present day St. Augustine in 1513. He named the area "la Florida" (feast of the flowers) in honor of Pascua Florida, Spain's Eastertime celebration.
Included below are more facts and symbols, a state map, the state song and views of the Florida State Quarter.
Florida State Capital - Tallahassee
State Nickname - The Sunshine State
State Motto - "In God We Trust"
State Flower - Orange Blossom
State Wildflower - Coreopsis
State Tree - Sabal Palm
State Bird - Mockingbird
State Butterfly - Zebra Longwing
State Animal - Florida Panther
State Reptile - Alligator
State Freshwater Fish - Largemouth Bass
State Saltwater Fish - Sailfish
State Saltwater Mammal - Porpoise or Dolphin
State Marine Mammal - Manatee
State Shell - Horse Conch
State Gemstone - Moonstone
State Rock or Stone - Agatized Coral
State Soil - Myakka Fine Sand
State Beverage - Orange Juice
Official State Web Site - www.myflorida.com
(Click or tap for a larger view)
The Swanee River (Old Folks at Home)
By Stephen C. Foster
Way down upon the Suwannee River,
Far, far away,
There’s where my heart is turning ever,
There’s where the old folks stay.
All up and down the whole creation,
Sadly I roam,
Still longing for my childhood station,
And for the old folks at home.
Chorus
All the world is sad and dreary
Everywhere I roam.
O dear ones, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.
2nd verse
All ‘round the little farm I wander’d,
When I was young;
Then many happy days I squander’d,
Many the songs I sung.
When I was playing with my brother,
Happy was I.
Oh, take me to my kind old mother,
There let me live and die.
3rd verse
One little hut among the bushes,
One that I love.
Still sadly to my memory rushes,
No matter where I rove.
When will I see the bees a humming,
All ‘round the comb?
When shall I hear the banjo strumming,
Down in my good old home.
Florida, Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky
Music and Lyrics by Jan Hinton
Florida, where the sawgrass meets the sky,
Florida, where our hearts will ever lie,
Sitting proud in the ocean like a sentinel true,
Always shielding your own, yet giving welcome.
Florida, land of flowers, land of light.
Florida, where our dreams can all take flight.
Whether youth's vibrant morning or the twilight of years,
There are treasures for all who venture here in Florida.
Mockingbirds cry and 'gators lie out in the sun,
Bridges span southward to the Keys and rockets skyward run,
The orange blossoms' sweet perfume and fireworks fill the air,
And cultures rich our native people share.
Florida, where the sawgrass meets the sky,
Florida, where our hearts will ever lie,
Sitting proud in the ocean like a sentinel true,
Always shielding your own, yet giving welcome.
Florida, land of flowers, land of light.
Florida, where our dreams can all take flight.
Whether youth's vibrant morning or the twilight of years,
There are treasures for all who venture here in Florida, Florida.
United States Mint 50 State Quarters© Program coin:
(United States Mint Images)
US State Facts © MCGWDD