Meanings, symbols, and stories behind state flags

A clear, classroom-friendly reference for the colors, icons, and history of American state flags. Simple, accurate, and fast.

Find a state flag

Search by state or capital, or filter by region.

All states

Complete collection of flag meanings, symbolism, and history.

Alabama

Learn the meaning, colors, and history of the Alabama state flag, including the crimson saltire and its symbolism.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Alaska

Learn about Alaska’s state flag, its Big Dipper and North Star design, and its young designer Benny Benson.

Region: Region: Pacific
Colors

Arizona

Discover the Arizona state flag, its rays, copper star, and symbolism of mining and sunshine.

Region: Region: Southwest
Colors

Arkansas

Explore Arkansas’s state flag, its diamond symbol, 25 stars, and historical meaning.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

California

Learn about California’s Bear Flag, its history from the 1846 revolt, and the meaning of its symbols.

Region: Region: Pacific
Colors

Colorado

Explore Colorado’s flag with its bold red C, golden disk, and blue and white stripes symbolizing nature and sunshine.

Region: Region: West
Colors

Connecticut

Learn about Connecticut’s flag, its grapevine symbols, and the Latin motto ‘Qui Transtulit Sustinet.’

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

Delaware

Discover Delaware’s state flag with buff-and-blue colors, state coat of arms, and its history as the First State.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Florida

Learn about the Florida state flag, its red saltire, and the symbolism of the state seal.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Georgia

Explore Georgia’s flag design, its Confederate influences, and the symbolism of the coat of arms.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Hawaii

Learn about Hawaii’s unique state flag featuring the Union Jack and eight stripes for the islands.

Region: Region: Pacific
Colors

Idaho

Explore Idaho’s flag, its state seal, and the symbolism of the Gem State motto ‘Esto Perpetua.’

Region: Region: West
Colors

Illinois

Discover the Illinois state flag, its eagle seal, state motto, and history.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Indiana

Learn about Indiana’s state flag, its torch and star symbolism, and history as the 19th state.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Iowa

Discover Iowa’s flag, inspired by the French tricolor, with eagle and motto ribbon symbolism.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Kansas

Learn about Kansas’s flag, its state seal, sunflower, and motto ‘Ad Astra per Aspera.’

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Kentucky

Discover Kentucky’s flag, its handshake seal, motto, and goldenrod symbolism.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Louisiana

Learn about Louisiana’s flag, its pelican symbol, and the motto ‘Union, Justice, Confidence.’

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Maine

Explore Maine’s flag with its coat of arms, pine tree, moose, and the motto ‘Dirigo.’

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

Maryland

Discover Maryland’s flag, its heraldic design from the Calvert and Crossland families, and its unique symbolism.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Massachusetts

Explore Massachusetts’s flag with its Native American figure, star, and Latin motto.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

Michigan

Explore the Michigan state flag and its coat of arms with elk, moose, eagle, and Latin mottos.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Minnesota

Learn about Minnesota’s redesigned flag featuring the North Star, its meaning, and the state’s motto.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Mississippi

Discover the Mississippi state flag, its magnolia design, 20 stars, and history of change in 2021.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Missouri

Learn about Missouri’s flag, its red, white, and blue stripes, state seal, and symbolism.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Montana

Explore Montana’s state flag, its seal, motto ‘Oro y Plata,’ and symbolism of natural wealth.

Region: Region: West
Colors

Nebraska

Discover Nebraska’s flag, its state seal, motto ‘Equality before the law,’ and agricultural symbolism.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Nevada

Learn about Nevada’s state flag, its silver star, sagebrush, and ‘Battle Born’ symbolism.

Region: Region: West
Colors

New Hampshire

Explore New Hampshire’s state flag with the USS Raleigh, laurel wreath, and Revolutionary War heritage.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

New Jersey

Explore New Jersey’s flag with its buff field, coat of arms, and Revolutionary War symbolism.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

New Mexico

Discover the Zia sun symbol, Spanish colors, and history of New Mexico’s flag.

Region: Region: Southwest
Colors

New York

Explore the symbolism, history, and design of the New York state flag featuring Liberty, Justice, and the Excelsior motto.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

North Carolina

Learn about the North Carolina state flag, its symbolic dates, and historical meaning from independence to today.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

North Dakota

Learn the meaning and history of the North Dakota state flag, featuring the bald eagle and patriotic symbols.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Ohio

Explore Ohio’s unique swallowtail burgee flag, its symbolism, and history as the 17th state.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Oklahoma

Discover Oklahoma’s flag with the Osage warrior shield, peace symbols, and its cultural heritage.

Region: Region: Southwest
Colors

Oregon

Discover Oregon’s unique two-sided flag, with the state seal on the front and a beaver on the reverse.

Region: Region: Pacific
Colors

Pennsylvania

Learn about Pennsylvania’s flag, its coat of arms, motto, and symbolism of agriculture and liberty.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

Rhode Island

Explore Rhode Island’s state flag, its anchor, 13 stars, and motto ‘Hope.’

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

South Carolina

Learn about South Carolina’s state flag, its palmetto tree, crescent, and Revolutionary War origins.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

South Dakota

Learn about South Dakota’s flag with its sunburst, state seal, and how it reflects the state’s resources and identity.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Tennessee

Explore Tennessee’s flag with its three stars, blue circle, and the story behind this iconic design.

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Texas

Learn about the Texas Lone Star flag and its history as the Republic of Texas flag.

Region: Region: Southwest
Colors

Utah

Explore the new Utah state flag adopted in 2024, its meaning, and how it reflects the state’s culture and history.

Region: Region: West
Colors

Vermont

Explore Vermont’s state flag, its coat of arms, and the symbolism of the Green Mountains, agriculture, and independence.

Region: Region: Northeast
Colors

Virginia

Learn the symbolism of the Virginia state flag, including Virtus, the fallen tyrant, and the motto ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis.’

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Washington

Learn about Washington’s unique state flag with a green field and the image of George Washington.

Region: Region: Pacific
Colors

West Virginia

Learn about West Virginia’s flag, its coat of arms, rhododendron border, and the motto ‘Mountaineers are Always Free.’

Region: Region: Southeast
Colors

Wisconsin

Learn about Wisconsin’s state flag, its coat of arms, and the symbolism of industry, agriculture, and the Badger State.

Region: Region: Midwest
Colors

Wyoming

Explore Wyoming’s state flag, its bison and state seal, and why it’s called the Equality State.

Region: Region: West
Colors

Showing 50 of 50 states.

Explainers

Evergreen articles that clarify colors, symbols, and state flag etiquette.

State Flag Colors and What They Mean

A quick guide to common color symbolism across American states.

Common Symbols on State Flags

Stars, eagles, seals and their traditional meanings in state flags.

History of American State Flags

From territorial flags to modern state identity.

State Flag Etiquette: How to Display State Flags

Respectful handling and display basics for state flags.

Resources

A flag quiz, free printables, buying guides, and books.

🎯

State Flag Quiz

See a flag, pick the state. Test yourself on 10, 25, or all 50 flags.

Take the quiz

🛍️

Where to Buy Quality State Flags

Curated list of reputable retailers for American state flags with size and fabric filters.

Open guide

📚

Best Books About State Flags

Hand-picked references for classrooms and American history enthusiasts.

See the list

🖨️

Printable Worksheets and Fact Sheets

Free PDFs for every state: a student worksheet and a detailed flag fact sheet.

Browse printables