A red field with a white diamond, blue border and stars. The diamond recalls the state’s status as America’s sole diamond-producing region. The stars trace both its place in the Union and its brief ties to the Confederacy. “The Natural State” is proudly written into that geometry.
Red field with large white diamond bordered by blue with stars, and the word ‘ARKANSAS’ inside.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
a rectangle of red on which is placed a large white diamond, bordered by a wide band of blue on which are twenty-five (25) white stars. Across the diamond shall be the word 'ARKANSAS' and four (4) blue stars, with one (1) star above and three (3) stars below the word 'ARKANSAS.' The star above the word 'ARKANSAS' shall be below the upper corner of the diamond. The three (3) stars below the word 'ARKANSAS' shall be placed so that one (1) star shall be above the lower corner of the diamond and two (2) stars shall be placed symmetrically, parallel above and to the right and left of the star in the lower corner of the diamond.
Source: 2024 Arkansas Code, § 1-4-101 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Willie Hocker
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- Emblematic diamond flag
- Complexity
- 6/10
- Readability
- 7/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Diamond
Represents Arkansas as the only diamond-producing state.
25 Stars
Marks Arkansas as the 25th state.
Large Star
Symbolizes membership in the Confederacy.
Design Breakdown
The Arkansas flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Red field with large white diamond bordered by blue with stars, and the word ‘ARKANSAS’ inside.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag featuring a diamond shape
- References state mineral production directly
- Uses star count to indicate exact order of statehood
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong and unique diamond symbolism
- Clear reference to state resources
- Balanced geometric layout
Common criticism
- Includes text
- Symbolism can be confusing without explanation
- Visually busy compared to simpler flags
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove text
- Reduce the number of stars
- Simplify the central diamond
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Arkansas state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Identify symbolism of the diamond and stars.
- Explain Arkansas’s unique diamond heritage.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Diamond
A white diamond centered on a red field.
Attributes: White diamond outline
Meaning: Arkansas as the only diamond-producing state in the U.S.
Stars
Four large stars with twenty-one smaller stars within the diamond.
Attributes: Four blue stars, Twenty-one white stars
Meaning: Arkansas as the 25th state, with the four large stars representing major sovereignties
Lettering
The word 'ARKANSAS' displayed within the diamond.
Attributes: Blue capital letters
Meaning: Clear identification and emphasis on state identity
Historical Timeline
Arkansas admitted as 25th state.
Flag adopted after design contest.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Emblematic diamond flag
Complexity: 6/10
Readability: 7/10
Fascinating Facts
Arkansas is the only U.S. state with a diamond mine.
The diamond shape is central to its state flag.
The diamond represents Arkansas as the only diamond-producing state.
The four stars symbolize Arkansas as the fourth state to join the Union.
The word 'Arkansas' is placed inside the diamond on a white field.
The blue border represents the United States.
The flag was officially adopted in 1913.
One star was later added above the name to represent Confederate states.
State Information
- Population
- 3,011,524
- Area
- 53,179
- Founded
- 15 Jun 1836
- Region
- South
