The US flag has undergone many changes and revisions throughout the history of the United States. But so have the flags of several of its states. Read below to learn about the US states that have redesigned their flags over the years and what they adopted to represent their state.
Colorado
One of the most colorful examples of a US state that changed its flag is Colorado. The state’s previous version of its flag featured the state seal, which incorporates an all-seeing eye, a pick and hammer, and the state’s well-known snowy mountains.
In 1911, Colorado switched to Andrew Carlisle Carson’s design. Today, the state’s flag features horizontal blue and white stripes and a large red “C” near the center of it. There is also a yellow sphere within the curvature of the letter. But each color on the flag had a special meaning.
While the white stripe on the flag represents the snow on the Rocky Mountains, the blue stripes stand in for the state’s blue skies. The gold sphere symbolized the state’s sunny weather, and the red of the “C” represented the color of its rocks and earth. Even though the state adopted the flag more than 110 years ago, it still has a modern look to it that continues to catch the viewer’s eye.
Georgia
The Peach State currently stands as the leader in terms of US states that have redesigned their flags over the years. Georgia’s flag underwent four design changes in 100 years, and the state adopted its current version of the flag in 2003.
Today, Georgia’s flag incorporates red and white stripes, as well as the Georgia state coat of arms and the words “In God We Trust” in gold circled by 13 stars.
Louisiana
The state of Louisiana has the nickname, “The Pelican State,” and the brown pelican is the state bird. When the state celebrated its centennial in 1912, it incorporated the animal into its current flag, which features a pelican as a mother bird feeding her chicks in a nest.
The flag also features three drops of blood on the parent pelican, indicating that the mother has torn herself to feed her young. This detail on the flag symbolizes how the state is willing to make sacrifices for its citizens. Below them are the words “Union Justice Confidence” on a ribbon.
Maine
When Maine changed its flag in 1909, it moved from a simple design to one with more detail. Originally, the flag featured just the North Star and a pine tree over a yellow background. But when it moved to its current version 114 years ago, it added a blue background, the state seal, and a farmer and a sailor on each side of it.
The flag also features Maine’s motto, “Dirigo,” which means “I lead.” However, the state may be ready for another change. Thanks to a bill that currently is awaiting the governor’s approval, the state’s voters may get to decide whether the pre-1909 version will make a comeback as the state flag.
Mississippi
One of the more recent examples of a state changing its flag brings us to Mississippi. In 2021, the Magnolia State’s governor, Tate Reeves, ratified the new version, which features red, blue, and gold. In addition, it has the state’s flower, a magnolia, in the center, surrounded by a circle of stars and the words “In God We Trust” below it.
New Mexico
The state of New Mexico took inspiration from another country’s flag when it adopted its current one in 1925. Previously, its flag featured its name, state seal, and even a smaller version of the US flag.
But the state later changed to Dr. Harry Mera’s design, which features bright yellows and red that drew inspiration from Spain’s flag. Additionally, it features a Zia sun, which has become synonymous with the state and even inspired the design of the Santa Fe capitol building.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma also moved from a straightforward design when it changed its flag. Originally, it featured a white star with blue borders on a red background. Onlookers could see the number “46” in the star’s center, symbolizing its induction as the 46th state in 1907.
But in 1925, the state switched to a flag with a blue background featuring an Osage warrior’s shield and seven eagle feathers, reflective of the state’s Native American history. In addition, the flag has an olive branch and a peace pipe over the shield. Oklahoma would later add its namesake to the flag in 1941, and its legislature made color specifications to it in 1988.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s flag underwent multiple changes before it became the current one in 1992. Although its previous flags featured a yellow sun and its previous nickname, “The Sunshine State,” South Dakota changed it to its newer nickname, “The Mount Rushmore State.”
Today, it also features the state’s namesake, the year it joined the union, and the words “Under God People Rule,” which is South Dakota’s motto. Within the sun, one can see multiple details, including a farmer tending to his land and a steamship.
Utah
Another recent example of a state changing its flag is the state of Utah. This March, Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill that approved the new flag becoming official next year. Although the state will continue flying its last flag, the new design will reflect its nickname as the Beehive State and its history and location.
The flag features blue, white, and red stripes, with a stream of white in the shape of mountains. In the center of the flag’s mountain range are a beehive and a star positioned on top of a blue hexagon. Utah’s new flag will become official in March of 2024.
State flags have histories as rich as the background of the American flag. They are also an important way for people to show their pride in their roots. If you are looking for heavy-duty fiberglass flagpoles that can help you show your patriotism, contact Liberty Flagpoles. We offer American-made flagpoles that can endure harsh weather and provide you with high performance that ensures that your US or state flag stays flying while standing tall and looking good.
