Alabama

Established in 1895, Alabama’s flag depicts a crimson St. Andrew’s cross against a white rectangular field. The Alabama Department of Archives and History believes that the crimson cross design was intended to preserve an element of the Confederate battle flag.

   Trivia: There are only four states that do not feature the color blue: Alabama, California, Maryland, and New Mexico.

Alaska

The Alaska state flag was designed by 13-year-old John “Benny” Benson, an Alaskan native who entered the flag-designing content. His design features the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star for a total of eight stars across a blue background that pays homage to the sky and Alaska’s forget-me-not flower.

   Trivia: Alaska was still a territory, not an official U.S. state when the governor and Alaskan American Legion held the flag-designing content in the hopes of gaining state status.

Arizona

Arizona’s flag is divided into two halves with a bright copper star in the center, identifying the state as the largest producer of copper in the USA. Above the star are 13 red and yellow rays that are said to represent America’s 13 original colonies. Below the copper star is a solid blue background that pays tribute to the U.S. flag.

   Trivia:Aside from the 13 colonies, the top half of the Arizona state flag also pays homage to the flags carried by Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado when he explored the state in 1540.

Arkansas

Arizona’s flag is divided into two halves with a bright copper star in the center, identifying the state as the largest producer of copper in the USA. Above the star are 13 red and yellow rays that are said to represent America’s 13 original colonies. Below the copper star is a solid blue background that pays tribute to the U.S. flag.

   Trivia:Aside from the 13 colonies, the top half of the Arizona state flag also pays homage to the flags carried by Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado when he explored the state in 1540.

California

The only flag featuring a grizzly bear, the California state flag, also called The Bear Flag, was adopted in 1911. The grizzly bear in the center of the flag represents two things: the animal that was once found everywhere in the state and is now extinct, and the independence and strength of early settlers who revolted against Mexican rule. The red star at the top left is believed to pay tribute to Texas, the “lone star” state.

   Trivia:California’s flag was designed by the nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln, William Todd.

Colorado

Colorado’s flag is a powerful tribute to the state’s many landscapes. The blue represents the state’s open skies and the white stripe in the middle depicts the snowy Rocky Mountains. The letter “C” is for the red, clay-like earth and the gold circle at the center stands for the state’s abundant sunshine.

   Trivia:The red of the “C” is the exact same shade of red used in the United States flag.

Connecticut

One of the more detailed state flags in the country, the Connecticut flag features three grapevines, which have been part of official state seal since 1639. The three grapevines represent New Haven, Saybrook, and Hartford, which merged to form the state. The Latin phrase “Qui Transtulit Sustinet,” can be translated to “He Who Transplanted Still Sustains,” though the name “Connecticut” is Native American word.

   Trivia:Connecticut is known as the Nutmeg State because its indigenous population were rumored to be so shrewd that they could make and sell nutmegs made of wood

Delaware

Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning the nickname First State. The state flag features the ratification date prominently: December 7, 1787. The buff and colonial blue colors pay homage to General George Washington’s uniform. Inside the diamond is Delaware’s coat of arms, as well as symbols of the state’s many industries: farming, coastal commerce, agriculture and more.

   Trivia:Almost 68% of Fortune 500 companies are entities of Delaware.

Washington D.C.

While not technically a state, the District of Columbia got an official state flag in 1938. The red stars and white background are inspired by the George Washington family coat of arms. The three stars above the stripes are said to represent the three commissioners who once ruled over the city.

   Trivia:Before the city had an official flag, the most commonly flown flag was that of the D.C. National Guard.

Florida

Similar to Alabama’s flag, the Florida state flag features the cross of St. Andrew prominently. At the center of the cross, there is the Florida state seal, which depicts the state’s sunshine, flowers, palm trees, and Native American population.

   Trivia:Florida was the first state in the south to adopt its own flag after the Civil War.

Georgia

There’s been some controversy over how much of the Confederate flag the Georgia flag should reflect. The state’s current flag, adopted in 2003, pays some homage to the flag of the Confederacy with its well-known “stars and bars.” The top left corner of the flag features a blue square with 13 white stars, representing the original colonies. The stars surround the state’s coat of arms in gold and the three gold pillars stand for the three branches of the U.S. government.

   Trivia:Georgia has gone through three flags since 2001.

Hawaii

The Aloha State’s flag pays tribute to both the United States and Great Britain. It features the red, white, and blue stripes of the U.S. flag, as well as a small Union Jack, or the United Kingdom flag, in the upper left corner. Hawaiians also consider the red, yellow, and green flag of King Kamehameha I to be their own.

   Trivia:Hawaii is the only state with a flag that features the Union Jack.

Idaho

The Idaho state flag is predominantly blue with the state seal and gold lettering that says “State of Idaho” in the center. The state seal is inspired by a painting that depicts Idaho’s main industries: forestry, mining, and agriculture.

   Trivia:Idaho is the only state with a seal designed by a woman.

Illinois

Illinois’ flag conveys the state’s commitment to the Union with an American bald eagle carrying a patriotic shield in its talons. The flag also depicts states’ rights with a red banner in the eagle’s beak that reads “State Sovereignty, National Union.”

   Trivia:Illinois is widely thought of as a miniature America, as it contains many elements of the USA: metropolitan area, small industrial cities, agricultural lands, and natural resource-abundant regions.

Indiana

Indiana’s blue and gold flag speaks to liberty and enlightenment. A golden torch is in the center, surrounded by 19 stars. While the 13 stars in the outer circle symbolize the 13 colonies, the five stars of the inner circle represent the five states that joined the Union before Indiana. The state itself is depicted by the largest star at the top of the torch’s flame.

   Trivia:In 2022, Indiana adopted a state fossil, the mastodon.

Iowa

The Iowa “Hawkeye” state flag is similar to the French flag in that it features three vertical stripes in blue, white, and red. A bald eagle in the middle white stripe carries a blue ribbon that says, “Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We Will Maintain.”

   Trivia:Iowa did not adopt a state flag until nearly 75 years after it joined the Union.

Kansas

Kansas depicts its reputation as the Sunflower State with a bright sunflower at the top of the flag, just above the state seal. The sunflower has been torn from its stalk, referencing an important part of the state’s history: when it was acquired by the Louisiana Purchase. The state seal depicts Kansas scenes: Fort Riley hills, Indigenous people hunting buffalo, steamboats, and more.”

   Trivia:The 34 stars in the sky of the seal represent Kansas becoming the 34th state in the USA.

Kentucky

The flag of the Bluegrass State features the state seal that represents two worlds coming together. A frontiersman wearing buckskin and a statesman wearing a suit embrace. A wreath of goldenrod, the state’s flower, surrounds the seal in a semicircle. The top half of the semicircle reads the words, “Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

   Trivia:Kentucky was the first state located west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s state flag conveys a sense of self-sacrifice and protecting others. A white pelican in the center of the flag draws three drops of blood by tearing its own flesh in order to feed and nourish its young. The flag is predominantly azure with the state motto underneath the pelican scene, “Union, Justice and Confidence.”

   Trivia:The blood that the pelican draws is also known to reference the sacrifice that Christ made for the sins of the world.

Maine

The natural beauty of Maine is captured in the flag adopted by the Pine Tree State. The state’s coat of arms is in the center of the flag, flanked by a farmer holding a scythe and a sailor holding an anchor. A pine tree stands between the men, just under a red banner that reads, “Dirigo,” or “I lead.”

   Trivia:Maine is the state where donut holes were invented.

Maryland

One of the most colored state flags in the nation, the Maryland flag is inspired heavily by the coat of arms of George Calvert, aka the first Lord Baltimore. The black and gold chevron pattern signals the design of Calvert’s father’s side of the family, while the white trefoils design is an homage to his mother’s family.Maryland is the only state to require specific guidelines for flagpole appearance and usage.

   Trivia:Maryland is the only state to require specific guidelines for flagpole appearance and usage.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts pays homage to its indigenous population. Inside the state’s seal is an image of an indigenous person from the Massachusett tribe standing beneath an arm wielding a sword. Massachusett were a Native American tribe related to the Algonquin family. The Massachusett holds a golden bow and an arrow pointing down, signaling peace and friendliness. The white star in the top left of the blue state seal indicates the state’s status as an original colony.

   Trivia:The Massachusetts flag was historically double sided until the single-side version was adopted in 1971.

Michigan

The Michigan flag features several elements that symbolize American freedom and the state’s unique characteristics. The flag is blue with an eagle holding an olive branch in its talons, indicating the state’s commitment to both self-defense and peace. Two elk flank the blue shield in the Michigan coat of arms, signifying the influence of the state’s lucrative fur trade. Beneath the elk are three state mottos: 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).

   Trivia:Michigan was the first state in the U.S. to guarantee that every child has the right to get tax-paid high school education.

Minnesota

Minnesota’s flag captures the essence of “North Star State” with vivid symbols, colors, and imagery. The Minnesota state seal is centered on a medium blue background, depicting the state’s industry, resources, and treasures. Inside the seal, a farmer plows and as he looks to an Indigenous person riding in the background. The farmer is enclosed by a red banner with a sentence written in French that translates to “Star of the North.” The Minnesota state flower, showy lady’s slippers are woven into a wreath with three dates: 1819, when Fort Snelling was established; 1858, the year Minnesota became an official state; and 1893, when the state flag was adopted.

   Trivia:While Minnesota’s nickname is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, its total lake count is almost 12,000.

Mississippi

In June 2020, Mississippi adopted a new flag designed without elements of the Confederate flag, which state residents approved on November 3, 2020. The new flag features a bright magnolia flower above the words “In God We Trust,” surrounded by 20 white stars and a large gold star, which represents the first peoples of the state. The magnolia represents Mississippi’s longtime value of southern hospitality, as well as hope and rebirth, while the predominant blue color matches the blue of the U.S. flag, conveying justice, perseverance, and vigilance.

   Trivia:The word “Mississippi” means “big river,” is a word of the Ojibwe tribe. While the Ojibwe people are not directly from the area, the state got its name from the Mississippi River. The Ojibway lived at the beginning of the river in northern Minnesota.

Missouri

The Missouri flag consists of red, white, and blue stripes that surround the Missouri State Seal at the flag center. Influenced by the colors of the French flag, the red, white, and blue of the Missouri flag represent valor, purity, vigilance, and justice. Two grizzly bears in the state seal convey the strength and bravery of the Missourians, and the crescent moon encapsulates the essence of the state when it joined the Union: a state small in population and wealth with huge potential. The crescent moon also refers to the state’s “second son” status. It was the second state carved from the Louisiana Purchase.

   Trivia:Missouri is one of the eight stats on the infamous Route 66.

Montana

Montana’s flag is emblazoned with the state seal that showcases the state’s many natural treasures: mountains, water, sun, and forests. This rich portrayal of beauty also includes a pick, shovel, and plow to represent Montana’s largest industries of farming and mining. The bottom of the seal reads a line in Spanish, which translates to “gold and silver.”

   Trivia:Montana is the only state with its own version of oatmeal. It’s called Cream of the West and it is a roasted wheat cereal that Montanans have eaten since 1914.

Nebraska

The state flag of Nebraska depicts a bright, prosperous future. Predominantly blue, the flag also features the state seal. Inside the seal is a blacksmith working with an anvil, a settler’s cabin with wheat and corn, the Missouri River carrying a steamboat, and a train chugging towards the Rocky Mountains. These elements depict Nebraska’s strong industrial economy. The state motto is also featured in the seal: “Equality before the law."

   Trivia:The Reuben sandwich is said to have been invented in Nebraska. A Lithuanian grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky who settled in Omaha reportedly invented the sandwich in the 1920s or 1930s.

Nevada

Known as the Silver State, Nevada is abundant in mineral resources, which the flag captures with a cobalt blue solid background and two sage brushes in a semicircle around a silver star. While the original flag from 1905 included the words “Silver Nevada Gold,” the current flag is a bit subtler with just word “Nevada” is positioned underneath the silver star."

   Trivia:Nevada is one of only two states in the U.S. that joined the Union during the Civil War.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire state flag celebrates the Granite State’s spirit, fight, and industry. Centered on a solid blue field is the state seal. The Seal depicts the USSRaleigh, one of the original thirteen ships commissioned by the Continental Congress to establish America’s first Navy."

   Trivia:One of the original colonies, New Hampshire was the first to establish its own government independent of Great Britain’s rule.

New Jersey

The Garden State flag depicts images of the state’s rich agriculture industry and commitment to freedom. The state seal in the center of the flag includes five symbols. The helmet and horse head indicate that New Jersey was one of the original states. The two women on either side of are Liberty, who holds a staff and liberty cap, and Ceres, the goddess of grain from the Roman tradition, who represents the bountiful fruits and vegetables grown in New Jersey. The shield itself depicts three plows, another ode to the state’s agriculture activity. Finally, the scroll at the bottom features the state motto, “Liberty and Prosperity,” with “1776,” when New Jersey was ratified as a state."

   Trivia:George Washington is famously credited with picking the buff and blue colors of the New Jersey flag.

New Mexico

Known widely as one of the most striking American state flags, the New Mexico flag’s bright yellow background and red Zia sun sign is an ode to Zia, a Native American population who now live at Zia Pueblo, just north of Albuquerque. The four rays stretching out from the sun represent the Zia belief that gifts come in groups of four: seasons, times of day, directions, and cycles of life."

   Trivia:Santa Fe was founded at least 10 years before Plymouth Rock.

New York

This state’s flag features many symbols of New York landscape and industry. The shield at the center of the flag is flanked by two women: Liberty and Justice, who represent “Liberty and Justice for all.” The shield itself features two ships on what is believed to be the Hudson River. Just above the shield is an American bald eagle sitting on top of the globe, indicating New York’s unique status as the land of opportunity and optimism.

   Trivia:New York was the first capital of the United States before Washington D.C. was made the capital in 1790.

North Carolina

The North Carolina state flag features bold colors and a direct message. The red, white, and blue echo the colors of the national flag, and two dates indicate the state’s desire for independence. May 20, 1775, marks the day of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and April 12, 1776, was when the Halifax Resolves were passed, giving state delegates the right to vote for independence.

   Trivia:North Carolina has the largest military base in the U.S., Fort Bragg.

North Dakota

Like many state flags, the North Dakota flag features traditional symbols of American strength and peace: a bald eagle carrying an olive branch in its talons and arrows in its mouth; red, white, and blue colors; 13 stars representing the first 13 states. The flag also features a banner that reads the state motto, “E Pluburus Unum,” which translates loosely to “out of many, one.”

   Trivia:While the bald eagle was almost extinct in North Dakota, the population has made a strong comeback.

Ohio

Ohio’s flag was designed to mimic the flag that the state’s troops carried during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. Known as a swallowtail flag, its triangles represent the hills and valleys of the state, while the stripes are meant to represent roads and waterways. The circle towards the left of the flag represents the state’s Northwest Territory and its “O” shape is suggestive of a Buckeye.

   Trivia:Ohio is the only state in America with a non-rectangular flag.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma flag pays tribute to the state’s large population of Native Americans. It features a Osage Nation warrior shield with a peace pipe and olive branch against a solid blue background, bringing to mind ideas of peace. With symbols of peace and strength from both Native Americans and Europeans, the Oklahoma flag blends both cultures to create one of the most unique state flags in the country.

   Trivia:Oklahoma has the highest population of Native Americans in the United States.

Oregon

Oregon’s two-sided state flag has designs on each side to honor the Beave State. Both sides feature a dark blue, solid background. One side features a beaver, the state animal, while the reverse side features a heart-shaped shield surrounding a covered wagon, pine trees, a mountain, and an American steamer ship arriving on the Pacific Ocean. In the middle of the seal is a banner with a line that says, “The Union.”

   Trivia:Oregon is one of only three states in the USA with a double-sided flag. The other states are Massachusetts and Washington.

Pennsylvania

As the second state, Pennsylvania adopted a flag with symbols of enduring history. The flag features the state’s coat of arms on a solid blue field with a shield propped up by two black horses. Like several flags, a bald eagle sits on top of the shield, while below the shield, a red and black banner reads, “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.” The Pennsylvania seal features symbols of the state’s industries and unique characteristics, including a commerce-carrying ship, plough, and sheaves of wheat.

   Trivia:A well-known factoid, but always worth repeating, The Declaration of Independence was signed in Pennsylvania in 1776.

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

With bold white, blue, and gold colors, the Rhode Island flag features a golden anchor at the center, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. A banner underneath the anchor depicts the state’s motte of “Hope.” The anchor has a double meaning, referencing both Rhode Island’s strong maritime industry and the bible, specifically Hebrews 6:18-19, “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.”

   Trivia:Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country.

South Carolina

The vivid blue and white colors of the South Carolina state flag match the uniform worn by the state’s troops during the Revolutionary War. The Palmetto tree and crescent moon featured prominently in the flag pay homage to a 1775 war story. The troops of Colonel William Moultrie defended a new structure on Sullivan Island during a 16-hour battle. When the flag was shot down, Sgt. William Jasper ran into the line of fire, raised the flag, galvanized the troops, and is said to have saved the city of Charleston.

   Trivia:The palmetto is the official tree of South Carolina.

South Dakota

The dark blue and white South Dakota flag features the state seal with lots of detail, requiring a few focused moments to spot all elements. A few details include a smoldering furnace, a series of hills, a farmer using his plow, cattle, and a steamboat floating on a river. Encircling the seal are the words “South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State.”

   Trivia:South Dakota has more miles of shoreline than Florida.

Tennessee

The state flag for Tennessee features three stars at the center of the flag that represent the state’s diverse landscape. One star represents the Smoky Mountains in the east, another star represents the highlands in the middle of the state, and the third star represents the Mississippi River in the west. The three divisions are bound together within the white circle.”

   Trivia:Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley located in Memphis, is the most visited home in the country aside from the White House.

Texas

The single white star, the lone star, on the lefthand side makes the state flag for Texas one of the most recognizable flags in the USA. The flags red, white, and blue colors symbolize Texan values. The red stands for bravery, white for purity, and blue for loyalty.

   Trivia:Dr. Pepper is a well-known Texas invention.

Utah

Utah’s nickname of Beehive State, which the state earned for its reputation for hard work and industry, represented clearly by a beehive at the center of the state’s seal. Lilies, the official state flower, surround the beehive as a symbol of peace. The seal is flanked by two American flags, conveying Utah’s loyalty for the Union.

   Trivia:The year 1847 depicted on the flag commemorates when Brigham Young freed prisoners by leading them to the Salt Lake City Valley and eventually establishing the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.

Vermont

The Vermont flag is an homage to things that make Vermont so unique. Inside the state seal at the center of the flag is a red cow that pays tribute to the fine dairy products that Vermont provides for the rest of the country. The flag also features the natural beauty of Vermont, such as a deer head, and lush pine trees.

   Trivia:The name “Vermont” is made from two French words, “vert,” which means “green,” and “mont,” which translates to “mountains.”

Virginia

Virginia’s flag was adopted when the state seceded from the Union the night before the Civil War. The state seal is featured prominently in the middle of a bright blue background, featuring Virtus, the goddess of virtue standing authoritatively on top of a man who represents tyranny. The words underneath Virtus say, ““Sic Semper Tyrranis,” which translates to “Thus Always To Tyrants.”

   Trivia:Virginia is often called the “Mother of States” because it is carved into other states, such as Kentucky and West Virginia.

Washington

The Washington flag pays clear homage to President George Washington by featuring his bust in the center. The flag’s dark green background represents the state’s large population of evergreen trees.

   Trivia:Washington state is the only U.S. flag that features an image of another person. It is also considered to be double sided, as the design is printed in the same way, not in reverse, on both the front and back of the flag.

West Virginia

The West Virginia flag is a symbol of the state’s personal rights and its commitment to the Union. Centered on the white field with a blue boarder is the West Virginia coat of arms. At the center of the coat of arms reads the date “June 20, 1863,” when West Virginia became an official state. A farmer and miner flank either side of the date, indicating the state’s major economies of agriculture and industry. Below the two men is a red banner with the state’s motto, “Montani Semper Liberi,” which translates to “Mountaineers Are Always Free.” Surrounding the entire coat of arms is a wreath of rhododendrons, the state’s official flower.”

   Trivia:Golden Delicious apples came originally from West Virginia.

Wisconsin

The flag of America’s Dairy Land is full of meaningful images that reflect the state’s personality, industrial economies, and patriotic spirit. Centered on a solid blue field is the Wisconsin state Coat of Arms divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant represents the state’s four main areas of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and navigation. On top of the shield sits a beaver, the official state animal of Wisconsin. The beaver sits below the state motto, “Forward.

   Trivia:The founders of Harley Davidson, William Harley and Walter and Arthur Davidson, built their first motorcycle in Wisconsin..

Wyoming

The predominant image on the flag of the Cowboy State is a large buffalo against a solid blue field with a red border. The red represents the Indigenous peoples who first inhabited the state, and the pioneers who died while settling the territory. The white symbolizes the land’s purity, and the blue conveys the color of open Wyoming skies. Branded on the buffalo is the state seal, which depicts the state’s history of a commitment to equal rights.”

   Trivia:Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote.