MICHIGAN

State of Michigan

ORIGIN OF STATE NAME: Possibly derived from the Fox Indian word mesikami, meaning "large lake." NICKNAME: The Wolverine State. CAPITAL: Lansing. ENTERED UNION: 26 January 1837 (26th). SONG: "Michigan, My Michigan" (unofficial). MOTTO: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you). COAT OF ARMS: In the center, a shield depicts a peninsula on which a man stands, at sunrise, holding a rifle. At the top of the shield is the word "Tuebor" (I will defend), beneath it is the state motto. Supporting the shield are an elk on the left and a moose on the right. Over the whole, on a crest, is an American eagle beneath the US motto, E pluribus unum. FLAG: The coat of arms centered on a dark blue field, fringed on three sides. OFFICIAL SEAL: The coat of arms surrounded by the words "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan" and the date "AD MDCCCXXXV" (1835, the year the first state constitution was adopted). BIRD: Robin. FISH: Trout. REPTILE: Painted turtle. FLOWER: Apple blossom. TREE: White pine. GEM: Chlorastrolite. STONE: Petoskey stone. LEGAL HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., 3rd Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, 12 February; Washington's Birthday, 3rd Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, 4 July; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October; Veterans Day, 11 November; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 25 December. TIME: 7 AM EST = noon GMT; 6 AM CST = noon GMT.