USA State Flags – NM, NC, ND, OK, OH, OR

New Mexico – Abbreviated NM

Capital – Santa Fe

New Mexico has the lowest water to land ratio of all the states in the Union at only .002% of its total surface area, even though the Rio Grande runs the entire length of the state. In January of 1912 New Mexico became the 47^th state to join the Union.

North Carolina – Abbreviated NC

Capital – Raleigh

While North Carolina was the 12^th state to join the Union in November of 1789, it was home to the first English colony. Before the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony was established in 1620, Roanoke Colony was established on Roanoke Island in 1585. However, the fate of these colonists is unknown as they disappeared without trace, aside from the word “Croatoan” carved into a fence post and “Cro” carved into a nearby tree.

North Dakota – Abbreviated ND

Capital – Bismarck

In November of 1889 North Dakota became the 39^th state to join the Union. The territory of Dakota was named for the Dakota Native American tribe and is a Sioux word meaning “friendship” or “allies”.

Oklahoma – Abbreviated OK

Capital – Oklahoma City

In November of 1907 Oklahoma became the 46^th state to join the Union. In World War II Boise City, Oklahoma was the only city in the continental U.S. to be bombed. The pilot of a U.S. B-17 Bomber was disoriented while on a practice run, mistaking the lights in the town square for the target. No one was hurt as it was after midnight and only practice bombs were used.

Ohio – Abbreviated OH

Capital – Columbus

The state of Ohio may have been the 17^th state to join the Union in March of 1803, but it is also a state full of firsts: the first ambulance service, 1865 in Cincinnati; the first traffic light, 1914 in Cleveland; the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds; the first city to use police cars was Akron; Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was from Wapakoneta; the first airplane invented by the Wright Brothers in Dayton; and many more!

Oregon – Abbreviated OR

Capital – Salem

Established as a state in February of 1859, Oregon is known for its pristine beauty. The state boasts numerous lakes, caves, waterfalls, scenic areas and public access gardens.