List of Oregon state symbols
The U.S. state of Oregon has 27 official emblems, as designated by the Oregon State Legislature. Most of the symbols are listed in Title 19, Chapter 186 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. Oregon's first symbol was the motto Alis Volat Propriis, written and translated in 1854. Latin for "She Flies With Her Own Wings", the motto remained unchanged until 1957, when "The Union" became the official state motto. Alis Volat Propriis became the state motto once again in 1987. Originally designed in 1857, usage of the Oregon State Seal began after Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States on February 14, 1859. The motto and seal served as Oregon's only symbols until over 50 years later, when the Oregon-grape became the state flower in 1899. Oregon had six official symbols by 1950 and 22 symbols by 2000. The newest symbol of Oregon is brewer's yeast, declared the state microbe in 2013.
While some of the symbols are unique to Oregon, others are used by multiple states. For example, the North American beaver is also the state animal of New York, and the Chinook salmon is also the state fish of Alaska. The square dance and milk are commonly used state dances and state beverages, respectively.
Insignia
| Type | Symbol | Description | Adopted | Image | Note |
| Flag | Flag of Oregon | Oregon's flag is navy blue with gold lettering and imagery, and is the only current flag in the U.S. to have a different pattern on the reverse side. The obverse depicts the state seal with "STATE OF OREGON" displayed above and "1859" displayed below. The reverse depicts a beaver in the center. | 1925 | ||
| Motto | Alis Volat Propriis | Latin for "She Flies With Her Own Wings", Alis Volat Propriis was the motto of Oregon from 1854 until it was changed to "The Union" in 1957. Written by Judge Jesse Quinn Thornton, the original motto was adopted once again by the 1987 Legislature. | 1987 1854–1957 | ||
| Seal | Oregon State Seal | In 1857, a resolution adopted by the Oregon Constitutional Convention authorized the president to appoint a committee consisting of Benjamin F. Burch, La Fayette Grover and James K. Kelly to design a new seal to be used once statehood was achieved. Harvey Gordon designed the seal, though additions were added through committee recommendations. Usage began after Oregon became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. | 1859 |
Unofficial symbols and unsuccessful proposals
While most states have an official nickname, the Oregon Legislature never officially adopted one. Oregon's unofficial nickname is "The Beaver State". Unofficial tourism advertising for Oregon has included the slogans "Things Look Different Here" and "Oregon, We Love Dreamers", the latter of which alludes to the "basic sense of idealism" of the state's culture. In the 1950s and 60s, Oregon license plates featured the unofficial motto, "Pacific Wonderland".Several symbols have been proposed for addition to the list of official state symbols but were never adopted. The "Oregon Waltz" was approved as the state waltz by the Oregon House in 1997, but the proposal did not succeed in the Senate. In 2001, legislation designating the Kiger Mustang, a horse breed unique to southeastern Oregon, as the state horse was introduced, but not adopted. It was suggested in 2003 that Oregon have an official state tartan, but the bill never passed out of committee, with a state tartan finally being adopted in 2017.