What is this symbol?

If you said, "an American flag," you are right.

The American flag is what is known as an icon. Icons are people, objects, and artworks that represent a particular time, place, or idea in history.

Icons can also represent ideas. Some of the first icons created were portraits of emperors in the Byzantine Empire. The rulers pictured in these icons were always shown as handsome and powerful. These icons were created to convince their subjects that they were good leaders, much like putting a popular president or leader on the face of a coin.

State symbols are also icons. Many states select objects that they think have a special connection to that place. Washington has many of these symbols, including a state flower, state bird, and even a state fossil! What others can you think of?

Icons are pictures or symbols that help us all think of one person, place, or thing. If you see a husky dog, do you think of the University of Washington? What about a cougar? What does an apple make you think about?

To the left are three pictures picked by the Washington State Historical Society - a person, a place, and a thing. Can you figure out why they are important to Washington state?

PEOPLE: Jimi Hendrix

Can a musician be an icon?

Why or why not?

One of Washington’s most famous musicians taught himself how to play the guitar. Jimi Hendrix couldn’t read or write music but he created some of the most famous rock songs in history!

Setting the stage on fire with his guitar moves, Jimi became famous in the 1960s. He played at huge concerts and traveled the world, sharing his music with thousands of people. You can find his music at any record store today.

PLACE: Space Needle

Can a building be an icon?

Why or why not?

Can you think of any building that looks like the Space Needle? Probably not! When it was built in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It may no longer have that title but after climbing its 848 steps to the top, it sure feels like it!

This fantastic building was originally built for the Seattle World's Fair and called the "Space Cage" because of its futuristic look. Its designers wanted to create a vision of Seattle’s future. More than 40 years later, it is still the most distinctive building in Seattle's skyline.

THING: Ezra Meeker's Wagon

Can a wagon be an icon?

Why or why not?

During the 1840s and 1850s, covered wagons carried hundreds of settlers west to new lands, such as Oregon and Washington Territory.

The covered wagon you see above was owned by Ezra Meeker of Puyallup. During his life, he made it his mission to teach people about the Oregon Trail. He traveled the trail four times! The first two times were by wagon, the third by car, and his fourth and final trip was by plane when he was ninety-four years old!