From Ukraine to Gaza
The Alabama flag's crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white dates back to 1895. The design preserves elements of the original battle flag of the Confederate states of America.
Alaska was admitted to the Union in 1959. The state flag features eight stars, forming the Big Dipper (a symbol of strength) and Polaris (denoting Alaska's northern location) on a dark blue field.
The Arizona flag was adopted in 1917. The star signifies the state's standing as the largest copper producer in the United States. The 13 alternating red and yellow rays symbolize the sun setting over the western desert and the original 13 colonies.
Adopted in 1913 but modified three times since, the Arkansas flag features a diamond shape representing the state as the first in the country to produce diamonds. The 25 stars bordering the diamond reflect that Arkansas was the 25th state admitted to the Union. The lone star above the word "Arkansas" represents the state's membership in the Confederacy, while the three below denote the three nations it was part of before becoming a state—Spain, France, and the United States.
As the state animal, the grizzly bear takes pride of place on the California state flag, first flown in 1911. Ironically, the grizzly no longer roams within state boundaries. The star represents sovereignty.
The state flag of Colorado is all about the letter "C." While it stands for the state's name, it also signifies columbine–the state flower–and centennial, as Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876, this 100 years after the American Revolution. The yellow and gold colors symbolize the state's abundant sunshine and gold production, while blue and white represent the wide open sky and snow-capped peaks.
The Connecticut state flag is emblazoned with a coat of arms featuring three grapevines symbolizing the region's three colonies—New Haven, Saybrook, and Hartford—that merged to become Connecticut. The state motto, Qui transtulit sustinet, translates as "He who is transplanted still sustains."
Delaware's state flag is full of symbolism. The blue field represents the color of George Washington's uniform. The date signifies when Delaware ratified the US Constitution, becoming the first state of the Union. The symbols set within the coat of arms variously represent shipbuilding, the citizen-soldier, and the Delaware River.
The seal in the middle of Florida's state flag embodies the state's environmental features and includes sun rays, palmetto (sabal palm), lakes, and rivers. There's also a Native American woman pictured scattering flowers. The crimson St. Andrews' cross is reminiscent of the Confederate battle flag.
The Georgia state flag has undergone several modifications: the current flag dates back as recently as 2003. Controversy stems from the fact that it's still reminiscent of the Confederate Stars and Bars. The 13 stars circling Georgia's coat of arms represent the state and the other 12 original colonies.
Unique in that it amalgamates the British Union Jack within the red, white, and blue of the United States, Hawaii's state flag is so designed because the islands were once under British control.
The Idaho state flag features a central seal representing the state's main industries: mining, agriculture, and forestry. The seal also serves to highlight the state's mountains and lakes.
Illinois' state flag features a seal on a white field. Within its borders are elements of the great outdoors over which flies a bald eagle clutching the national Stars and Stripes. The motto of Illinois reads: "State sovereignty —national union." The years 1818 and 1886 mark the years Illinois became a state and the first use of the state seal, respectively.
Liberty and enlightenment are the themes Indiana's state flag represent. The 13 stars in the outer circle symbolize the 13 colonies; the inner five represent the next five states to join the Union. The larger single star above the torch is a symbol of Indiana becoming the 19th state.
Iowa adopted its state flag in 1921. The three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red represent justice and truth, purity, and courage, respectively. The motto reads: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."
The Kansas state flag shows the state seal enclosing a herd of buffalo pursued by two mounted Native Americans symbolizing the first people who settled Kansas. The plowed fields represent the state's farming industry. The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas, while the blue and gold bar below symbolizes the Louisiana Purchase (through which Kansas was acquired from France).
Adopted in 1918, the Kentucky state flag features a frontiersman and a statesman standing together within the state seal—a representation of all the people of Kentucky. The motto reads: "United we stand, divided we fall."
A white pelican, the Louisiana state bird, is seen on the state flag tearing at its breast and drawing three drops of blood to feed its young—a symbol of the state's willingness to sacrifice itself for its citizens. The motto reads: "Union, Justice, and Confidence."
The state flag of Maine features the state seal. A pine, Maine's state tree, a moose, the official state animal, and a farmer with a scythe (representing the state's agricultural roots) plus a sailor with an anchor (symbolic of the strong ties with the sea) standing under the North Star can also be seen. Above the seal is written Dirigo—Latin for "I Lead."
Maryland's state flag is an exercise in colorful heraldry. It bears the coat of arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, founded Maryland and is represented by black and gold. The red and white colors and symbolic cross identify the Crosslands, Calvert's maternal family.
The state's coat of arms defines the Massachusetts state flag. It bears the image of a Native American clutching a bow and arrow. The white star within the shield represents the state as one of the original colonies. The ribbon below is inscribed with the state motto in Latin, which means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."
Michigan's state flag contains the state coat of arms on a blue field. The bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows represents the United States. A moose and elk, both common to Michigan, support a shield showing a man standing next to a river. Three mottos in Latin grace the flag: E Pluribus Unum ("From many, one"), Tuebor ("I will defend"), and Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice ("If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you").
Three dates are woven into the wreath surrounding the state seal set in the center of the Minnesota state flag: 1885 (the year of statehood); 1819 (the year Fort Snelling was established); and 1893 (the year the original flag was adopted). The 19 stars denote Minnesota's status as the 19th state to enter the Union. The state motto is written in French: L’étoile du Nord, meaning "the star of the north." Within the seal and representative of Minnesota's indigenous heritage is a Native American on horseback.
The red stripe of Missouri's state flag represents bravery, the white stripe a symbol of purity. The blue stripe denotes justice. The seal features grizzly bears, signifying the strength of the state and the courage of its people. The state motto reads in Latin: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto, which means, "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law."
Montana's state flag reflects its reputation as an outdoor destination. A sunrise peeps over mountains and a river, shining on tools that symbolize the state's mining and farming heritage. The state motto in Spanish—Oro y Plata—is on the bottom of the seal and means "gold and silver."
The less fussy Nevada state flag features a five-pointed silver star symbolizing the state metal—silver— enclosed by two sprays of sagebrush (the state flower of Nevada) crossed to form a wreath. The war cry "Battle Born" refers to Nevada joining the Union during the Civil War.
Nebraska's state flag depicts an intricately designed state seal on a blue field. A steamboat plying the Missouri River can be seen, as well as a train heading for the Rocky Mountains. A settler forging iron outside his cabin is also present. The state motto reads: "Equity Before the Law."
The state seal enclosing the 18th-century frigate Raleigh surrounded by laurel leaves and nine stars, signifying New Hampshire's status as the ninth state to ratify the US Constitution and officially become a state, serves as the central design of the New Hampshire state flag.
The colors of the New Jersey state flag were chosen by George Washington himself during the American Revolutionary War. The horse's head represents speed and strength, while the knight's suit of armor symbolizes sovereignty for a state that governs itself. The three plows on the shield honor the state’s agricultural tradition.
The simplest of state flags, that belonging to New Mexico features the red and yellow of the Spanish flag, denoting its past as part of the Spanish Empire. The symbol is that of the ancient Zia sun, attributed to Zia Pueblo in New Mexico and said to represent the sacred number four and the Circle of Life: four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four sacred obligations.
The New York state flag features its official seal displaying a ship and a sloop on the Hudson River, symbols of commerce. Flanking the shield is Liberty (on the left), holding a staff with a Liberty cap, and Justice, blindfolded and holding her scales. Together they represent "Liberty and Justice for all." A banner declares New York's state motto in Latin, Excelsior, which means "Ever upward."
North Carolina's state flag features two dates: May 20, 1775 likely refers to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (modern scholars do not consider the Mecklenburg Declaration to be legitimate). The second date, April 12, 1776, commemorates the Halifax Resolves, authorizing the North Carolina delegates at the Continental Congress to vote for independence.
An emblem seen often on US state flags, a bald eagle clutching an olive branch as a symbol of peace takes center stage on North Dakota's state flag. The eagle's beak holds a ribbon that reads in Latin, E Pluribus Unum, which means "Out of many, one," a reference to the United States. Above the bird is a crown supported by 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies.
The Ohio state flag is unique for its swallowtail design, unveiled in 1901. The triangles represent the state's hills and valleys, while the red and white stripes symbolize roads and valleys. The circle, meanwhile, denotes the Northwest Territory and the initial letter of "Ohio." The 13 stars to the left correspond to the original 13 colonies, while the four to the right signify Ohio as the 17th state to join the Union.
The Oklahoma state flag acknowledges the state's indigenous heritage. The warrior's shield is crisscrossed with an olive branch (representing settlers) and a peace pipe (symbolic of Native Americans).
The Oregon state flag shows a gold shield and lettering, and a year, 1859, corresponding to when Oregon was accepted into the Union. The symbols on the shield include a covered wagon set against mountains and forests. A departing British warship is seen sailing out of view, representative of Great Britain's waning influence, while an American vessel is arriving to symbolize the country's rise to power. The stars embracing the shield number 33, denoting Oregon as the 33rd state to join the Union.
Pennsylvania's state flag features the state coat of arms in which a ship and wheat sheaves represent commerce and agriculture. The two horses rearing up on their hind legs symbolize strength. The motto on the ribbon reads: "Liberty, Virtue, Independence."
The nautical theme characterizing Rhode Island's state flag is unmistakable. A gold anchor is surrounded by 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 states. "Hope" is written on a blue ribbon, a word believed to be inspired by the biblical phrase "Hope we have as an anchor of the soul."
South Carolina's state flag is another readily identified. The crescent symbol is a reference to the silver emblem worn on the caps of South Carolina combatants during the Revolutionary War. The tree, a palmetto or sabal palm, is the state tree and also signifies the heroic defense of the palmetto log fort on Sullivan's Island during the conflict.
Mount Rushmore gets a deserved plug on the South Dakota state flag. But it's in the seal that the state's character is truly defined. In it, a steamship navigates a river meandering through agricultural and industrial land. There's a smelting works in the background, while in the foreground a farmer is hard at work on the plow. The state motto declares "Under God the People Rule," and "1889" denotes the year South Dakota officially became a state. And all this enclosed by a shining sun.
Commonly known as the "Lone Star Flag," the Texas state flag first flew over the Republic of Texas in 1839 and has not changed since. The simple but powerful symbolism reminds everyone of Texan solidarity in having declared independence from Mexico. The red, white, and blue represent bravery, purity, and loyalty.
The Tennessee state flag keeps it simple with an emblem displayed on a red field. The three stars represent the Grand Divisions of the state: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. They are bound together in an endless circle, signifying a bond that can't be broken.
Included in the design of Utah's state flag is the year 1847, marking the arrival of the Mormons to this corner of America. The year 1896, meanwhile, references Utah becoming the 45th state. The beehive is symbolic of Utah's nickname as the Beehive State, while the state motto is "Industry." Flying above is the bald eagle, representing protection and loyalty to the country.
The Vermont state flag radiates an agricultural theme. In the foreground a red cow and wheat sheaves are set under a pine tree, behind which are the Green Mountains. The deer head at the top of the shield represents the state's wildlife. The pair of evergreen branches set either side of the frame are a symbol of the sprigs of pine worn by soldiers of Vermont during the battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812.
Virtus, the goddess of virtue who represents Virginia, is seen standing holding a spear and sword over a defeated tyrant. The Latin motto below, Sic semper tyrannis, means "Thus always to tyrants." These design elements constitute the official state seal of Virginia. The current flag was adopted in 1950.
Washington's state flag was adopted in 1923—34 years after the state was admitted to the Union. This is the only US state flag to feature an actual person, George Washington. It's also the only flag to feature a green background.
The central image on West Virginia's state flag features two figures, a farmer and a miner, representing the state's two main industries. They stand either side of a rock carved with the date West Virginia became a state—June 20, 1863. The state motto in Latin, Montani Semper Liberi, translates as "Mountaineers Are Always Free."
The Wisconsin state flag is highly detailed. A miner and a sailor, symbolic of industrious state citizens and Wisconsin's extensive lakefront, stand either side of a gold seal emblematic of the four major trades in Wisconsin—navigation, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. The year 1848 refers to Wisconsin joining the Union. The state's motto, "Forward," crowns the shield along with a badger, the state animal.
An outline of a buffalo, Wyoming's state animal, takes center stage on the state flag. The state seal is set as if branded onto the animal's hide. The red color is symbolic of Native American heritage and the blood of the people who died on the land. White denotes purity, while blue represents loyalty and the wide open sky.
Sources: (US Flag Supply)
Redesigned in 2020 to replace the original 126-year-old Confederate-themed state flag, the new Mississippi state flag features a magnolia flower with the words "In God We Trust," circled by 20 white stars, representing Mississippi as the 20th state to join the Union. The large gold star represents the state's indigenous population.
Each of the 50 state flags of America are unique in their design and symbolism. While some elements can be identified across several examples, namely references to the original 13 colonies, the Stars and Stripes, and the bald eagle, a US state flag is essentially singular in its meaning and significance. A US state flag represents the history of that state, key moments in its timeline, and the character and patriotism of its people. It also serves to highlight its culture and heritage. So, which flag flies over your state?
Click through and find out what your flag means.
What do the 50 state flags of the US represent?
The meaning and significance of America's state flag designs
LIFESTYLE History
Each of the 50 state flags of America are unique in their design and symbolism. While some elements can be identified across several examples, namely references to the original 13 colonies, the Stars and Stripes, and the bald eagle, a US state flag is essentially singular in its meaning and significance. A US state flag represents the history of that state, key moments in its timeline, and the character and patriotism of its people. It also serves to highlight its culture and heritage. So, which flag flies over your state?
Click through and find out what your flag means.