U.S. State and Territory Flags
Below are the state flags alphabetically from Alabama through Mississippi. For more state flags, click here
Alabama -- The 22nd state, admitted 1819
In January 1861, motivated by the nation's civil unrest, Alabama voted to secede from the Union. Several months later, the first Confederate flag was flown over the state capital. It was dubbed the Battle flag and had a blue cross of St. Andrew (an X-shaped cross or saltire) across a red field. When Alabama rejoined the Union in 1895, it needed to represent the new era with a new flag that still respected the old. The designers chose a square flag with a crimson-colored St. Andrew's cross on a pure white field. The colors symbolize courage and purity; the cross recalls the Battle Flag of the Confederacy.
Flag Adopted: 1895
Alaska -- The 49th state, admitted 1959
When the United State purchased the Alaskan region from Russia in 1867, most Americans thought it was a crazy idea. For many years after, Alaska fought to become a state, but Congress refused to admit this cold, desolate place. In 1926, Alaskan members of the American Legion decided they needed more publicity for Alaska, so they held a contest in the grade schools for a design of a territorial flag. Benny Benson, an orphaned 13 year old, won the contest. When Alaska was finally adopted as a state in 1959, the flag design stayed. The only change was the blue hue of the background. Originally it matched the blue of forget-me-nots, the state flower; the revised color matches the blue on the American flag. The stars depict the Big Dipper constellation, symbolizing strength. The North Star was said to represent the future state of Alaska and its far northerly position.
Flag Adopted: 1927
Arizona -- The 48th state, admitted 1912
Originally part of the United Mexican States, Arizona became part of the New Mexico Territory after the Mexican War, then became its own territory and finally a separate state. The idea for a state flag arose because the Arizona rifle team realized it was the only team at national matches without a flag. Colonel Charles W. Harris, adjutant general and chief administrative officer of Arizona, designed the flag. He used four colors on the flag-Arizona's colors, blue and gold; and Spain's red and yellow, to symbolize the first white men who came to Arizona. The 13 red and yellow rays of sun stand for the first 13 states, and the copper-colored star represents Arizona's place as the largest produce of copper in the country. The blue matches that of the American flag.
Flag Adopted: 1917
Arkansas -- The 25th state, admitted 1836
In 1912, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) wanted to commemorate a new U.S. battleship, called the Arkansas, by presenting it with three flags - the U.S. flag, a naval battle flag, and the Arkansas state flag. But Arkansas didn't have a flag yet. Through a design competition, Miss Willie Hocker became the flag's creator. Her original design showed only three stars, recalling that Arkansas was one of the three states formed from the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 from France. The state name was added later, as was the upper blue star, which represents the Confederacy. The diamond shape acknowledges that Arkansas is home to the only known diamond mine in the United States. The 25 stars surrounding it symbolize that Arkansas was the 25th state.
Flag Adopted: 1913
California -- The 31st state, admitted 1850
The first flag of California was hastily created by a group of American settlers who revolted against Mexican control in California. After capturing the town of Sonoma, they tore down the Mexican flag and replaced it with one they constructed from odds and ends of cloth and materials. Legend tells that the white field and red stripe were made from women's petticoats. William Todd, cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln, drew a single red star, the words "California Republic" and a sketch of a grizzly bear, that the rebels met as they fought the Mexican army. It was also a symbol of the settlers determination to gain independence. That flag was kept in San Francisco until it was destroyed in an earthquake. The design has remained basically the same throughout the years.
Flag Adopted: 1911
Colorado -- The 38th state, admitted 1876
When Colorado entered the Union, it was known as the Centennial State because it was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The large red "C" on the flag, designed by Andrew Carlisle Carson, stands for Colorado, Centennial and for Columbine, the state flower. The colors of the flag parallel the blue, white and gold of the flower. The gold color also recalls the year-round sunshine as well as the founding of Denver during the gold rush of 1858.
Flag Adopted: 1911
Connecticut -- The 5th state, admitted 1788
The design of the Connecticut flag was inspired by the patriots of the Revolutionary War, who used the state seal on their flag. When the current flag was adopted, it depicted the seal on a blue field. The three vines of the seal symbolize the colonists and their first three settlements, known as the Connecticut Colony. The colonists were thought of as grapevines that had been transplanted to a different country. The state motto, which appears beneath the arms, expresses the colonists' belief that God had transplanted them and would sustain them in their new home.
Flag Adopted: 1897
Delaware -- The 1st state, admitted 1787
Although it was the first state of the nation, Delaware took a long time in deciding on a state flag. Finally, state officials authorized a design that combined elements from previous flags. The diamond shape stands for an early nickname, the Diamond State, which referred to the perception that Delaware was small, but like a diamond, it was worth a great deal and had a lot to offer. The blue and buff colors represent the uniforms that some minutemen wore in battles during the Revolutionary War. The blue is also that of the blue hen, the official state bird. Within the diamond, a soldier and a farmer stand casually looking toward each other, signifying cooperation to maintain liberty and independence, the words below them.
Flag Adopted: 1913
Without either a local or self government, the District of Columbia was very slow to develop a seal or flag of its own. The first seal, designed in 1871 by the Legislative Assembly of the District, included representations of the Capitol building, the American eagle, the figure of Justice, and George Washington. Over the next number of years, several unofficial flags were flown displaying the seal. In 1920, a commission was established to choose a unique design for the flag of the Distict of Columbia. Under the guidance of A.E. Dubois, the final design was approved on October 15, 1938. The design was based on the shield from the coat of arms used by the Washington family.
Flag Adopted: 1938
Florida -- The 27th state, admitted 1845
Florida's original flag, in 1845, was only used once because it created a political commotion. The next one, in 1861, was designed because Florida was preparing to secede from the Union and could no longer use the Union flag. It had three large stars on it, representing Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina, the three states that had seceded. Another flag was adopted soon after secession. But after the Civil War, a new state flag was designed. It depicts the state seal in the center of a white field. On the seal are symbols of Florida - the sun, a palm tree, a steamboat, and a Native American woman scattering flowers. The red cross of St. Andrew was added in 1900. Since then, the original cocoa tree became a cabbage palmetto. And the Native American's dress was altered to show more accurately that she is of the Seminoles, a Native American tribe that has long lived in Florida.
Flag Adopted: 1900
Georgia -- The 4th state, admitted 1776
Georgia is another state that chose to commemorate the Confederacy on its flag. John Sammons Bell, chairman of the Democratic party during the time, designed the flag that's in use today. On the vertical strip close to the flagpole, the state seal appears in black and white. It shows three pillars that stand for the three branches of government, wrapped in ribbons that express the ideas of the Constitution - wisdom, justice, and moderation. The pillars support an arch that bears the word, "Constitution." The remaining two-thirds of the flag prominently presents a replica of the Confederate Battle Flag.
Flag Adopted: 1956
Hawaii -- The 50th state, admitted 1959
Before the English explorer Captain James Cook came to the Hawaiian Islands in 1776, the Hawaiians did not use flags. They instead displayed distinctive marks. In 1794, King Kamehameha of Hawaii was given a British flag by Captain George Vancouver. It is believed that he was the first to raise a flag in Hawaii. Until 1816, Hawaii was under British protection, which is the reason for the current state flag's prominent display of the British Union Jack. But the red, white, and blue stripes were added to distinguish it from Britain and to express the island's desire to be independent. The flag now contains eight stripes, representing the eight main island of the Hawaiian chain.
Flag Adopted: 1894 (when Hawaii was still a republic)
Idaho -- The 43rd state, admitted 1890
The state seal, designed by Miss Emma Edwards, is an integral part of Idaho's flag. She honored the women's suffrage movement on the seal with its female figure of Liberty and Justice, which supports one side of the coat of arms. On the other is a miner. The shield between them represents the protection they unite in giving the state. The fir tree and sheaf of grain depict Idaho's agricultural resources. An elk's head, rising above the shield, stresses the protection of the elk and moose in Idaho. Below the shield, fruits and vegetables fill cornucopias to symbolize abundance.
Flag Adopted: 1907
Illinois -- The 21st state, admitted 1818
Illinois has had two state flags. In 1913, a contest was held for the best state flag design offered by one of the Illinois chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Lucy Derwent's winning design took elements from the state seal designed by Sharon Tyndale, the secretary of state in 1868. When an American officer in Vietnam complained that the flag lacked distinction, the wheels were in motion for some changes. The flag was replaced in 1970 by a flag that was revised by Mrs. Sanford Hutchinson. It contains an exact copy of Tyndale's state seal, with the world "Illinois" in blue letters below.
Flag Adopted: 1970
Indiana -- The 19th state, admitted 1816
Paul Hadley designed Indiana's flag for a competition held by the Daughters of the American Revolution during Indiana's 100th birthday celebration. It depicts the torch of Liberty surrounded by a ring of stars. The flames of the torch represent liberty and enlightenment. The rays extending from the touch signify the far-reaching effects of freedom and knowledge. The large gold star above the flame stand for Indiana, and the 18 smaller stars, the number of states in the Union before Indiana joined. The outer circle of 13 stars symbolizes the original 13 states.
Flag Adopted: 1917
Iowa -- The 29th state, admitted 1846
The woman of Iowa were instrumental in finally determining a state flag. A design submitted to the governor by Mrs. Dixie Gebhardt, of The Daughters of the American Revolution of Iowa, was selected. Created from the state seal, she used the flying eagle holding a scroll in its beak. On the scroll is the state motto. To recall Iowa's purchase through the Louisiana Purchase from France, three bold vertical stripes, blue, white and red, are arranged as in the French flag.
Flag Adopted: 1921
Kansas -- The 34th state, admitted 1861
With both the state seal and the military crest on the flag, the Kansas state flag conveys much historical significance because it was a state that chose to outlaw slavery in an area of slave states. The open-faced sunflower, the official flower of Kansas, represents the fearlessness with which Kansas faces and solves its problems. The state seal depicts much of what was happening in Kansas during the time of the pioneers. A plowman is preparing his field for sowing, covered wagons are moving Westward, and Native Americans are hunting bison. The steamboat represents commerce. The rising sun and sky with its 34 stars symbolize the number of states in the Union at the time the flag was adopted. The blue background stands for the loyalty of the people of Kansas.
Flag Adopted: 1927
Kentucky -- The 15th state, admitted 1792
Kentucky tried to remain neutral during the Civil War, but when Confederate troops invaded the state in 1861, several battles were fought. Kentucky placed its seal in the center of its flag, originally depicting a statesman and a frontiersman embracing. Now the two men, shaking hands, stand for all people, showing that they work together for the good of all. They are acting out the meaning of the state motto that surround them: "United we stand; divided we fall."
Flag Adopted: 1962
Louisiana -- The 18th state, admitted 1812
Flags of many nations were raised over the Louisiana Territory before Louisiana became a state, notably flags of the French, the Spanish, the United States and the Confederacy. The current flag was finally authorized in 1912, 100 years after Louisiana became a state. The blue field signifies truth, and the pelican feeding its young symbolizes the state's role as a protector of its people and resources. European legend tells of a mother pelican plucking flesh from her own breast during a time of famine in order to sustain her young. Thus, on the Louisiana's state flag, the caring and generous pelican is a well known symbol.
Flag Adopted: 1912
Maine -- The 23rd state, admitted 1820
The picture on Maine's blue flag is the state coat of arms, which is used on the state seal. Representing Maine's agricultural and maritime industries are a farmer on one side of the shield and a seaman on the other. The lower portion of the shield is a of water, and the upper section sky. A huge pine tree stands for Maine's forests that cover 90 percent of its land. Below the tree lies a moose, now the state animal, indigenous to the state and symbolic of Maine's reverence for wildlife. A North Star glows above the shield, as Maine was the northernmost state at the time of its adoption into the Union.
Flag Adopted: 1909
Maryland -- The 7th state, admitted 1788
The design of the Maryland state flag is based on the coats of arms of two families - the Calverts and the Crosslands. In 1632, King Charles I of England granted the land that was to be Maryland to Sir George Calvert, who later became the first Lord Baltimore. When he died, the land went to his son, Cecil Calvert, known as the second Lord Baltimore. The black and gold quarters of the flag are the arms of the Calverts. The red and white quarters of the flag honor the family of Lord Baltimore's mother, the Crosslands. Black and gold are now the official colors of Maryland, fitting for the official flower, the black-eyed susan.
Flag Adopted: 1904
Massachusetts -- The 6th state, admitted 1788
Massachusetts first had a flag that had a different design on each side. In 1971, the flag was changed and only depicts the original front design. It is a of a Native American on a blue shield. He is holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other, pointed down to symbolize peace. A crest above the shield shows an arm bent at the elbow, hand holding a sword. This illustrates the state motto, "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."
Flag Adopted: 1971
Michigan -- The 26th state, admitted 1837
The blue shield in the center bears the motto Tuebor, "I will defend," which is a sentiment also depicted by the man who stands by the water with one hand resting on a gun and one hand raised, indicating that although they are peace-loving people, they will defend their rights. An elk and a moose support the shield, while in the center is an American eagle that is holding an olive branch and a sheaf of three arrows. Above the eagle's head is a ribbon with the United States motto, "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "Out of Many, One." Another motto on the bottom is a tribute to Michigan's beauty and translates into "If you are seeking a pleasant peninsula, look around you."
Flag Adopted: 1911
Minnesota -- The 32nd state, admitted 1858
This flag depicts the state seal. A pioneer farmer is seen plowing, his gun and powder nearby lying on a stump. He is looking back at a Native American who is riding a galloping horse toward the setting sun. The seal is bordered by a flower wreath of lady's slippers and 19 gold stars, showing that Minnesota was the 19th state to enter the Union after the original colonies.
Flag Adopted: 1957
Mississippi -- The 20th state, admitted 1817
This flag was designed by a committee led by General W.T. Martin. It shows Mississippi's divided sense of loyalty between those who revered the Confederacy with the state's succession from the Union during the Civil War and those who celebrate their rejoining to the United States. The Battle Flag of the Confederacy is in the upper left corner, the 13 stars representing the first 13 states of the Union. The bars of red, white and blue honor the Unites States flag.
Flag Adopted: 1894
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