The idea of a State Flower took root in 1893 at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago where women’s groups decorated the state exhibits with native blossoms. The state legislatures took it from there and officially adopted their State Flowers.

Soon after bird lovers throughout the nation suggested that their state legislatures adopt their official State Bird.

The most popular State Bird is the cardinal. It was adopted by 7 states - Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

Artwork for the State Birds & Flowers issue was prepared by two artists. Arthur Singer illustrated the birds and his son, Alan, painted the flowers. This is the first known father-son team to create a U.S. postage stamp.