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Georgia State Flag History and Design

Written by
Rob Brittain
Published on
December 31, 2020 at 2:57:00 AM PST December 31, 2020 at 2:57:00 AM PSTst, December 31, 2020 at 2:57:00 AM PST

The History Behind the Georgia Flag Design

Nicknamed “The Peach State” as a nod to one of its top agricultural products, Georgia was the fourth state to be admitted to the Union by an act of Congress on January 2, 1788. In January 2021, the state of Georgia will celebrate its 233rd birthday. Georgia's January state birthday is also an ideal time to learn more about the history and design of the state flag.


The design of Georgia’s state flag has changed many times throughout history, with those changes often sparking considerable controversy and debate among Georgia’s residents. Notable Georgia state flag designs from the past include:


  • Georgia’s first official state flag, which was adopted on October 17, 1879. The design featured three horizontal stripes, with a red stripe at the top, a white stripe in the middle and a red stripe at the bottom. A vertical blue stripe was on the far left of the flag. In 1902, this design was enhanced with the addition of the state seal in the middle of the vertical blue stripe. As the state seal changed through the years, so did the state seal featured on the flag.
  • On July 1, 1956, a notably different flag design was established. While the 1956 design kept the vertical blue stripe and the state seal that appeared at the far left of the flag, it replaced the horizontal red and white stripes with the Confederate Battle Flag design. Opposition to the flag erupted since the Confederate Battle Flag was considered by some Georgians to be symbolic of slavery and racism. During the 1990s, Georgia Governor Zell Miller led an unsuccessful effort to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the Georgia state design.
  • On January 24, 2001, a new state flag design was adopted by Georgia’s House of Representatives. The design excluded the Confederate Battle Flag and changed the entire background color of the flag to blue. An enlarged gold state seal was placed in the center of the flag. Beneath the state seal, a gold scroll was added to the flag design. The words “Georgia’s History” were at the top of the scroll. Inside the scroll were five flag images: a historical American flag design, three historical Georgia state flag designs and the current American flag design. Beneath the scroll were the words “In God We Trust” in gold. On January 31, 2001, this flag design was signed into law. However, soon after that, both the flag design and its approval process were widely criticized. The 2001 version of the Georgia state flag stood until May 8, 2003, when the current state flag design was made official.


The current Georgia state flag design features:


  • A return to the red, white and red horizontal stripes originally featured on Georgia’s first official state flag design. The bottom red stripe covers the entire width of the flag.
  • A blue square at the top left of the flag.
  • A gold coat of arms that mirrors that of the state seal, centered in the blue square.
  • The words “In God We Trust” displayed beneath the coat of arms in gold.
  • Thirteen white stars encircling the coat of arms and “In God We Trust” text symbolizes Georgia being one of the United States’ original 13 colonies.


Given the significant controversy surrounding the Georgia state flag design throughout history, the current version of the flag was signed into law in 2003 with the stipulation that the flag design would be added to the ballot for a statewide vote. That vote occurred in March 2004, and the current Georgia state flag carried the ballot in each of the state’s 159 counties.

 

Georgia Outdoor Flag Options

Today, you can celebrate The Peach State’s birthday by displaying your own Georgia state flag. Carrot-Top Industries’ outdoor Georgia flags are made in the U.S.A. and come in two of Carrot-Top’s exclusive fabric brands: Patriarch® polyester and Beacon® nylon. These flags are expertly crafted with unsurpassed quality by the most experienced flag makers in the industry. Our flags feature fade-resistant colors, durable fabric and fray-resistant stitching. Both the Patriarch® polyester and the Beacon® nylon outdoor Georgia flags are digitally printed with a single reverse finish. Backed by the flag industry’s best six-month guarantee, we are committed to your satisfaction. Our guarantee covers any defects, fading or tearing, starting on the date of purchase. 


Our Patriarch® polyester Georgia flags are built with a super strong, two-ply polyester that has the texture and feel of cotton. These flags are best for coastal zone locations and areas that frequently experience severe winds. Our Patriarch® Polyester Georgia flags are available in a variety of sizes from 3’ x 5’ to as large as 5’ x 8’. Our Beacon® Nylon Georgia flags are tailored with tough, durable, lightweight nylon that dries quickly and waves beautifully in the air. These flags are designed for low and moderate wind areas and are available in sizes from 12” x 18” to 8’ x 12’.


Georgia outdoor flags, indoor flags, flag sets, flag banners, mini flags and lapel pins are available for order online. To determine the best outdoor flag material for your location and flagpole, please call 800-628-3524 to speak with a Customer Care Professional. You can also submit any questions about your flag order by email or schedule a convenient time for a consultation through Contact Our Team. We offer fast shipping on all of our in-stock products. 


Online References: State Symbols USA, Encyclopedia Britannica and Atlanta Journal Constitution.