How do you know when you cross a state border? Well, normally the state in question plants a sign to inform you that you have made it there, welcoming you. And how do states decorate their welcoming messages? That varies a lot. They can evoke their natural resources (Georgia, North Dakota, New Mexico), their beautiful views (Colorado, Utah, Florida), their flag (Texas, Arizona, North Carolina), their seal (Missouri, New York, Alabama), their map (Oregon, Indiana, Minnesota), etc. Sometimes they even adapt the form of the sign to that of the state limits (completely like Montana or partially like Wisconsin). What is clear is that they know that it's going to be your first impression so they usually make a lot of effort not to disappoint you. To present themselves in a proper and appealing way. Every state has its own way of doing it.

Even though most signs follow a rectangular shape, some of them opt for more unusual contours (Maryland, South Carolina, Missouri). Blue is the most common background color, followed by green. Some of them make an outstanding use of typography to present their names (Mississippi, Tennessee, South Dakota). Nebraska has the sign with the darkest background, Alaska is the only state with a non-metallic welcome sign and Louisiana the only one to use another language (French) besides English to salute you.

In any case, these signs we show you here are very colorful, attractive and imaginative, sometimes highly artistic. This makes them a pleasure to see, a joy reinforced by the excitement of arriving to your destination... or home.

A very special welcome to you!

(Expert on U.S. States? Try our quiz!)