Are you from the United States? I challenge you to test your knowledge about the 50 US State flags.
The national flag of every country is an emblem that symbolizes and represents a country. It is flown by the country’s government, its citizens, and it communicates sovereignty.
The Flags of all 50 states in the USA also communicate the uniqueness of each state as there are meaningful histories behind coming about a state flag.
In this article, we won’t just present you with the pictures of each state’s flag, but also how it came into being, and is widely accepted.
It goes without saying that the flag of the United States of America, is often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag. It was adopted on the 4th of July 1960.
The Red, White, and Blue did not just happen by accident. The founding fathers wanted the colors to have meaning, not just look visually pleasing.
Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
As you continue to learn more about all US state flags, you’ll also come to know what each element on the flag symbolizes.
From the state flag of Alabama to the flag of Wisconsin, and Wyoming, you’ll be well informed by the time you reach the end of this article.
Ready?
List of All US State Flags Pictures Listed Alphabetically
Check out the pictures of all the state flags of the United States of America below.
1. Flag of Alabama
The state flag of Alabama is a crimson cross on a white background.
The Alabama law does not specify whether the flag should be square or rectangular (just that the bars be at least 6 inches wide), so it can be viewed in any direction.
2. Alaska State Flag
The flag (selected for its simplicity, originality, and symbolism) was created by Benny Benson, a 13-year-old 7th grader from an orphanage in Seward, Alaska (John Bell Bensona; 1913-1972). Seward honors him with a monument on 3rd Avenue. Alaska’s state song is titled “Alaska’s Flag.”
- Symbols Meaning: The official flag of Alaska features eight gold stars in a field of blue forming the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear.
The blue background represents the sky, sea, lakes, and wildflowers of Alaska (the official state flower is also blue).
3. Flag of Arizona
Next on the list of US State flags alphabetically is the Arizona State flag.
The upper half of the flag is divided into thirteen equal segments, six-light yellow and seven red, Liberty blue band on the bottom half, a In the center of the flag is a copper-colored five-point star.
- Symbols Meaning: The 13 gold and red “beams” or “rays” on Arizona’s flag represent the sun setting over the western desert and the original 13 colonies (red and gold colors were also carried by Coronado’s Spanish expedition in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1540).
The center star signifies copper production (Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the country).
The field of blue is the same “liberty blue” as the United States flag. Blue and “old gold” are also Arizona’s official state colors.
4. Arkansas Flag
A rectangle of red on which is placed is a large white diamond, bordered by a wide band of blue on which are twenty-five white stars.
Across the diamond, is placed the name of the state in blue and four blue stars, with one star above and three stars below the word “ARKANSAS”.
- Symbols Meaning: 25 white stars show Arkansas as the 25th state to join the Union. Three blue stars below the word ARKANSAS are symbols for the three nations which ruled Arkansas before it became a state (Spain, France, and the United States), and also signify that Arkansas was the third state created out of Louisiana Purchase.
The fourth lone star above the word ARKANSAS represents the Confederacy.
5. California State Flag
Next on this list of all US State flags alphabetically is the official state flag of California.
On the flag, you’ll find a white field with a grizzly bear walking toward the left with all four paws on a green grass plot, above the words “CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC” and a red stripe; in the upper hoist corner is a single five-pointed red star.
The famous bear flag was flown at Sonoma, California in 1846 by American settlers in insurrection against Mexican control. It was designed by William Todd (nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln) (officially adopted as the state flag of California in 1911).
- Flag Symbols Meaning: The once common California grizzly bear (also the official state animal) portrays strength; the star represents sovereignty; the red color signifies courage, and the white background stands for purity.
6. Colorado State Flag
The description of the Colorado flag is three equal horizontal bands of blue-white-blue.
At a distance from the hoist side centered on the flag a red C surrounding a yellow (gold) disk.
- Flag Symbols Meaning: The colors of Colorado’s flag depict the state’s natural features. White signifies the snow on her mountains, gold represents Colorado’s plentiful sunshine, red represents Colorado’s red soil, and blue depicts her brilliant blue skies. Three countries and eight Territories have staked claims to (and flown their flags over) what is now Colorado.
7. Flag of Connecticut
A memorial from a Connecticut chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution inspired the state flag of Connecticut. When it was presented for adoption in 1895, the flag design was already widely acknowledged as the state’s official flag (the flag was formally described in 1897 Connecticut legislation).
- Flag Symbols Meaning: In a field of azure blue the state coat of arms is centered, incorporating three grapevines; a ribbon below the arms contains the Latin inscription IN dark blue “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET” (He Who Transplanted Still Sustains).
8. Flag of Delaware
Delaware’s state flag was adopted in 1913. Flags of Every State
The colors of General George Washington’s uniform are represented by the colonial blue and buff. Delaware State adopted the federal Constitution on December 7, 1787, making it the first state to join the nation.
- Flag Symbols Meaning: Inside the buff diamond is the state coat of arms (first adopted in 1777 and also featured on the state seal), which contains many symbols of Delaware:
- Ship: a symbol of Delaware’s ship-building industry and extensive coastal commerce.
- Farmer: represents the central role of farming to the state of Delaware.
- Militiaman: recognizes the crucial role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties.
- Wheat Sheaf; a symbol of the agricultural vitality of Delaware.
- Maize (Indian Corn): symbolizes the agricultural basis of Delaware’s economy.
- Water: represents the Delaware River, the state’s main artery of commerce and transportation.
- Ox; signifies the importance of animal husbandry to Delaware’s state economy.
- Motto: “Liberty and Independence” was approved in 1847.
9. Flag of Florida
The original 1868 Florida flag was merely the state seal centered on a white field. The red cross was recommended by Florida’s governor in the 1890s so that the flag would not appear to be a banner of truce or surrender while it was hanging limp on a flagpole.
Florida people agreed, and in 1900, the state’s constitution was amended to reflect the current framework.
- Flag Symbol: A red cross of St. Andrew on a field of white, centered on the flag is the seal of the state.
10. Georgia State Flag
In 2003, Georgia State adopted a new state flag. In the upper left corner, there is a square blue canton the width of two bars.
The coat of arms of Georgia lies in the center of the canton, with the words “In God We Trust” below it (both in gold).
- Flag Symbols: The flag consists of three equal horizontal bands of scarlet (top), white, scarlet, in the upper hoist corner is a blue sqare colon in the hight of the first red and the white band, bearing the Great Seal, surrounded by a circle of 13 five-pointed white stars.
11. Hawaii Flag
Eight horizontal stripes represent the eight major islands of Hawai’i. This flag has served as the flag of the kingdom, republic, territory, and the state of Hawaii.
12. Idaho State Flag
The official state flag of Idaho was adopted in the year
Idaho’s state flag was adopted in 1907. Flags of Every State
Flag Symbols: The Idaho legislature specified the following specifications for the state flag: “5′ 6″ wide by 4′ 4″ deep, with a 2.5” wide gilt fringe on all sides. The flag will be blue silk with the Idaho state seal on it “The diameter is shown in the center.
The words “State of Idaho” are to be embroidered in gold block letters two inches high under the great seal on a crimson band that is three inches wide by 29 inches long, positioned about 8.5 inches above and parallel with bottom fringe.”
13. Flag of Illinois
Mrs. Ella Park Lawrence and the Daughters of the American Revolution worked together to get the first Illinois state flag approved in 1915. Miss Lucy Derwent’s design was chosen from 35 entries submitted by D.A.R. chapters.
- Illinois Flag Symbols: The Illinois flag has a white field with a central representation of the state seal (the Illinois seal depicts an eagle holding a banner in its beak with the state motto “State Sovereignty, National Union” printed on it). In 1867, the current version of the Illinois state seal was approved. The first Illinois Constitution was signed on August 26, 1818, in Springfield, Illinois.
The present flag design (with the word “ILLINOIS” and the sun on the horizon of Lake Michigan in the backdrop) was adopted in 1969.
14. Indiana State Flag
Flag Officially Adopted: May 31, 1917.
The flag’s dimensions shall be three feet fly by two feet hoist; or five feet fly by three feet hoist; or any size proportionate to either of those dimensions. The field of the flag shall be blue with nineteen stars and a flaming torch in gold or buff.
- Flag Symbols: The torch is a symbol for liberty and enlightenment; the rays represent their far-reaching influence.
- Thirteen stars in the outer circle symbolize the original thirteen states; the inner semi-circle of five stars represents the next five states to join the Union, and the large star above the torch is a symbol of Indiana (in 1816 Indiana became the 19th state).
15. Iowa State Flag
The state flag of Iowa was adopted in 1921 but was originally designed in 1917 by Mrs. Dixie Cornell Gebhardt of Knoxville and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Did you know that Iowa went without an official state flag for 75 years until Iowa National Guardsmen stationed along the Mexican border suggested a state banner was needed.
- Flag Symbols: consists of three vertical stripes: the blue stripe stands for loyalty, justice and truth; the white stripe for purity; and the red stripe for courage.
- On the white center, an eagle carries streamers in its beak which are inscribed with the state’s motto: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.”
- The name “IOWA” is in red below the streamers. The eagle-carrying streamers also appears on Iowa’s state seal.
16. Kansas State Flag
Flag adoption date: March 23, 1927
The state flag of Kansas features the official state seal in the center and sunflower, the official state flower of Kansas, directly above it.
Under the sunflower is a bar of gold and light blue which represents the Louisiana Purchase. Under the seal is KANSAS spelled out in all capital letters.
The official state flag was adopted many years after Kansas became admitted into statehood.
Flag Symbols:
- 34 stars – The 34th state admitted to the union
- Ad astra per aspera- Kansas’ state motto
- Sunrise – The rising sun in the east
- Farmer plowing the fields- Agriculture
- Wagon Train- Westward expansion
- Bison- The large population that once inhabited Kansas’ plains
17. Flag of Kentucky
The Kentucky state flag was adopted in 1962. The state seal design is featured in the center, with the state motto: United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
The flag shows the State’s (Commonwealth’s) seal on navy blue, surrounded by the words “Commonwealth of Kentucky” above, and Sprays of goldenrod extend in a half-circle around the picture which is Kentucky’s state flower.
- Kentucky Flag Pledge: “I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the Sovereign State for which it stands, one Commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, and grace from on High.”
18. Flag of Louisiana
The state flag of Louisiana displays a white pelican nurturing its young by tearing at its own breast (signified by three drops of blood), with a white banner below containing the state motto in blue letters (Union, Justice, and Confidence); all on a field of blue.
The Pelican has been a symbol of Louisiana since colonial times. The pelican is found on Louisiana’s state seal, state painting, and is one of three Louisiana symbols that appear on the U.S. Mint’s Louisiana bicentennial quarter. Ten very different flags have flown over Louisiana:
- Louisiana Flag Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the state of Louisiana and to the motto for which it stands: A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals, confident that justice shall prevail for all those abiding here.”
19. Flag of Maine
The state flag of Maine was adopted in 1909. It displays Maine’s coat-of-arms on a field of blue (the same shade of blue as the national flag). Maine’s state seal also displays the coat of arms.
The North star* shines above Maine’s motto: “Dirigo” (“I Lead,” or “I Direct”). The center shield features symbols of the natural richness of Maine – a pine tree (white pine is Maine’s state tree, and “The Pine Tree State” is Maine’s nickname), a moose (the official state animal), the sea, and the sky.
Symbol: The farmer is a symbol of pride in Maine’s agricultural roots. The sailor represents Maine’s strong ties to the sea. A banner below displays the state name; “MAINE” (in capital letters).
20. Flag of Maryland
The Maryland flag was officially adopted on March 9, 1904. It contains the family crest of the Calvert and Crossland families. Maryland was founded as an English colony in 1634 by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore.
The black and Gold designs belong to the Calvert family. The red and white design belongs to the Crossland family.
The Maryland state flag was officially adopted in 1904 and is symbolic of the “reunion of all the citizens in the state and represented through the colors of the flag.”
21. Massachusetts Flag
The Massachusetts state flag shows a white field with the state seal or coat of arms in the center. It is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachusett (the native people that inhabited the area which is now Greater Boston).
He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward representing peace.
The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states. Around the shield is a blue ribbon with the motto: ”By the Sword, We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty.” Above the shield is an arm and sword, representing the first part of the motto.
22. Michigan State Flag
Michigan’s official flag was adopted by the state Legislature in 1911 with a simple description: The State Flag shall be blue charged with the arms of the State (the state coat of arms appears on both sides of the flag, and also on Michigan’s state seal).
Animal symbols: Moose and Elk represent Michigan, and the bald eagle signifies the United States.
23. Minnesota Flag
The flag of Minnesota is royal blue, with a gold fringe, and is jam-packed with Minnesota state symbols. In the center of the flag is the state seal. Around the state seal is a wreath of the state flower, the lady slipper.
Three dates are woven into the wreath: 1858, the year Minnesota became a state; 1819, the year Fort Snelling was established; and 1893, the year the official flag was adopted.
Nineteen stars ring the wreath. symbolizing the fact that Minnesota was the 19th state to enter the Union after the original 13. The largest star represents the North star and Minnesota.
“L’étoile du Nord” translates to “the star of the North” which is Minnesota’s official motto.
24. Mississippi Flag
The Mississippi flag was officially adopted on January 11, 2021.
On November 3, 2020, the new Mississippi state flag was approved by the state referendum by the Commission to Redesign committee.
The previous flag had an emblem of the confederate flag and was voted out after a national public outcry. This new flag passed and became the official state flag of Mississippi on January 11, 2021.
- Flag Symbols: The design that features a white magnolia blossom, is the official state flower, and “In God, We Trust” is the official motto of the United States.
- The 20 stars signify Mississippi’s status as the 20th state admitted to the union, and a gold five-point star reflects Mississippi’s indigenous Native American tribes.
25. Missouri Flag
The Missouri state flag was officially approved in 1913. The original flag (designed and created by Marie Elizabeth Oliver) is on display at the Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City, Missouri.
The stars in the inner circle have the same meaning. Two huge grizzly bears support the circular shield in the center which has three parts:
- The motto “United We Stand, Divided we Fall”
- The right section represents the United States
- The left section, containing a moon, represents a new state and a grizzly bear standing for courage.
More of the US state flags will be added to this list soon.