Discovery Series Ornament – Nevada

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament Nevada that I recently added to my collection.

Nevada, admitted to the Union in 1864 during the American Civil War, is often called the “Battle Born State” due to its wartime statehood. Its history is closely tied to mining, as the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 brought a rush of settlers and wealth to the region. Early Native American tribes, such as the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe, lived in Nevada long before European exploration began.… Read more

Discovery Series – Connecticut

We explored the state symbols featured in the design of the Connecticut ornament last week. Now, let’s see what other elements the Discovery Series – Connecticut mug has to offer.

– The Connecticut-style lobster roll stands as a distinctive culinary symbol that sets the state apart from its New England neighbors. Unlike the mayo-dressed Maine version, Connecticut’s lobster roll features warm, succulent lobster meat tossed in melted butter and served on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun. This preparation method allows the sweet flavor of the lobster to shine through, representing Connecticut’s refined yet approachable food culture.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut is the latest ornament from New England, which I was fortunate to add to my collection.

Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a history that stretches back to the early 1600s when Dutch traders and English settlers arrived. It was here that the Fundamental Orders of 1639 were drafted, a document many historians call the first written constitution in the Western world. The state played an important role in the American Revolution, supplying ships, weapons, and provisions to the Continental Army.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Rhode Island

I continue my journey through the New England states, pausing in the “Ocean State” to collect this beautiful Discovery Series Ornament – Rhode Island and have a cup of local Clam Chowder.

Rhode Island, officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams established Providence as a haven for religious freedom, which became a cornerstone of the colony’s identity. By 1663, King Charles II granted Rhode Island a royal charter, guaranteeing its autonomy and liberty of conscience.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – New Hampshire

Similar to the design of the mini mug from the previous series, the Discovery Series Ornament – New Hampshire features blue colors, likely due to the blue background of the state’s flag.

New Hampshire was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a critical role in the founding of the United States. It was the first state to create its constitution independent of British rule in January 1776. The state also proudly cast the first vote for independence at the Continental Congress.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont

I could not return from my trip to Burlington empty-handed, so I picked up this nice Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont. Tucked into the upper Northeast, Vermont has a way of getting into your system — the views, the calm, the pride people take in where they’re from.

Vermont’s history is marked by independence. Before it joined the United States in 1791 as the 14th state, it was its own republic for 14 years. It was the first state to outlaw slavery and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana for the Hoosier State. The origin of “Hoosier” is still debated, but it has become a proud identity for Indiana residents. Some believe it came from the 1800s as a frontier slang term – when someone knocked on a cabin door, the response might be “Who’s here?” slurred to sound like “Hoosier.” Others trace it to a contractor named Hoosier who hired Indiana workers for canal projects, or to a regional word meaning a rough countryman.… Read more

Discovery Series – South Dakota

Discovery Series – South Dakota is larger than the ornament I reviewed earlier and features more design elements. Let’s go over those that were added:

Ellsworth Air Force Base, located near Rapid City, is one of South Dakota’s most significant military installations. Established in 1942, it has played a vital role in the nation’s defense, particularly during the Cold War, when it housed B-52 bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Today, it remains an active base, home to the 28th Bomb Wing and a key part of the U.S.… Read more

Discovery Series – Washington

Discovery Series – Washington is a bigger version of the ornament that we reviewed earlier. This mug has all the state symbols an ornament has, plus some more:

Washington State is renowned for its thriving apple industry, producing over half of the nation’s apples. The state’s unique climate, with warm days and cool nights, creates the perfect conditions for growing crisp and flavorful varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala. With vast orchards stretching across regions like Yakima Valley and Wenatchee, Washington has become a global leader in apple production, exporting its high-quality fruit worldwide.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Washington

Discovery Series Ornament – Washington is a brand new release from the Evergreen State. Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its rich history and diverse landscape. Named after George Washington, it became the 42nd state of the U.S. in 1889. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Coast Salish, before European explorers arrived in the late 18th century. The area thrived during the logging and mining booms of the 19th century and later became a hub for technology and innovation, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon calling it home.… Read more

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