State of New York
Nicknames: The Empire State
Motto(s): Excelsior (Ever upward)
Date of Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11th state)
State Song: “I Love New York” by Steve Karmen
New York Flag History
The flag of New York, adopted in 1901, is a symbol of the state’s history and its values. The flag features a deep blue field with the state’s coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms, adopted in 1778, depicts Liberty and Justice, symbolizing freedom and fairness. Liberty holds a Phrygian cap, a symbol of emancipation and freedom, and Justice wears a blindfold representing impartiality and holds scales and a sword.
Above the two figures is a globe showing the North Atlantic Ocean, highlighting New York’s position as a global economic hub. An American eagle sits atop the globe, symbolizing New York’s allegiance to the United States. A ribbon below the shield displays the state motto, “Excelsior,” encouraging citizens to reach ever upward.
The flag’s elements reflect New York’s commitment to freedom, justice, and progress. The eagle and the shield’s color, a deep blue, represent the state’s dignity and authority. The flag embodies New York’s rich history, its dedication to democratic values, and its role in the nation’s development.
New York Quick Facts
Capital City: Albany
Abbreviation: NY
Population: Approximately 19.3 million
Region: Northeast
Origin of State Name: Named after the Duke of York and Albany, who later became King James II of England and Ireland and James VII of Scotland.
Sports Teams: New York Giants, New York Jets (NFL), New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets (NBA), New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres (NHL), New York Yankees, New York Mets (MLB)
Bordering States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Quebec (Canada), Ontario (Canada)
Area Codes: 212, 315, 347, 516, 518, 585, 607, 631, 646, 716, 718, 845, 914, 917, 929
Highest Point: Mount Marcy at 5,344 feet (1,629 meters)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geography of New York
Area: 54,555 square miles (141,300 square kilometers), 27th largest
Land: 47,214 square miles (122,283 square kilometers), 30th largest
Water: 7,340 square miles (19,017 square kilometers), 8th largest
Coastline: 127 miles (204 kilometers)
Shoreline: 2,625 miles (4,225 kilometers), including the shorelines of bays and lakes and ocean coastline
Largest Cities:
- New York City
- Buffalo
- Rochester
- Yonkers
- Syracuse
- Albany
- New Rochelle
- Mount Vernon
- Schenectady
- Utica
- White Plains
- Hempstead
- Troy
- Niagara Falls
- Binghamton
National Parks:
- Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Saratoga National Historical Park
- Fire Island National Seashore
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
New York State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
State Animal: Beaver
State Amphibian: Wood Frog
State Butterfly: Red-spotted Purple
State Fish: Brook Trout (freshwater), Striped Bass (marine)
State Flower: Rose
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Nine-spotted Ladybug
State Mammal: Beaver
State Reptile: Common Snapping Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Apple
State Gemstone: Garnet
State Soil: Honeoye
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Quarter: Issued in 2001 featuring the Statue of Liberty and the state outline with the inscription “Gateway to Freedom”
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Blue and Gold
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None
State Fossil: Sea Scorpion (Eurypterus remipes)
State Mineral: Garnet
State Rock: None