Michigan

Michigan is a state in the United States. The name is derived from Lake Michigan, which in turn is believed to come from the Chippewa Indian word meicigama, meaning "great water." Bounded by four of the Great Lakes, Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the continental United States, the longest total shoreline after Alaska (including island shorelines http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29938_30243-103397--,00.html), and more recreational boats than any other state in the union.

State symbols

• State motto: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.)
• State song: My Michigan (official since 1937, but disputed amongst Michiganders)
• State bird: American Robin (since 1931)
• State mammal: White-tailed Deer (since 1997)
• State fish: Brook Trout (since 1965)
• State reptile: Painted Turtle (since 1995)
• State fossil: Mastodon (since 2000)
• State flower: Apple Blossom (adopted in 1897, official in 1997)
• State wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris (since 1998)
• State tree: White Pine (since 1955)
• State stone: Petoskey stone (since 1965)
• State gem: Isle Royale greenstone (since 1973, also called chlorastrolite)
• State soil: Kalkaska Sand (since 1990)