Washington state has more than a few unique state symbols, including an official Washington dance (the square dance) and tartan. To become an official state symbol, residents ask the Washington State ...

Picture a small, brilliant yellow bird clinging to a thistle stalk, wings flashing black as it launches into the sky in its signature looping flight. That is the Willow Goldfinch, and in Washington ...

CAN A STATE have too many symbols? The question gurgles up every few years in newspaper columns and comment threads, usually when some legislature makes noise about adopting a new, hyperspecific ...