Horizontal bands of red, white, and blue with the state seal at centre: grizzly bears, crescent moon, helmet and motto. Around them, a ring of stars for the states of the Union. It is both heraldic and patriotic, a bold roundel on tricolour stripes.
Horizontal red, white, and blue stripes with circular state seal in center.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Grizzly bear
- Design type
- Tricolor with central state seal
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 5/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Red Stripe
Represents valor.
White Stripe
Symbolizes purity.
Blue Stripe
Represents vigilance and justice.
24 Stars
Mark Missouri as the 24th state.
Design Breakdown
The Missouri 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: Horizontal red, white, and blue stripes with circular state seal in center.
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 two grizzly bears
- One of few state flags combining a tricolor with a detailed seal
- Uses a Roman legal motto as its core message
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Bold red-white-blue tricolor
- Strong heraldic symbolism
- Clear expression of state strength and authority
Common criticism
- Highly detailed central seal
- Includes Latin text
- Difficult to distinguish details at distance
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal
- Adopt a bear-focused standalone symbol
- Eliminate text and simplify the design
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Missouri state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Interpret meaning of Missouri’s motto.
- Discuss significance of the 24 stars.
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
State Seal
The Missouri state seal placed at the center of the flag.
Attributes: Two grizzly bears, Crescent moon, Shield with U.S. flag elements, Twenty-four stars, State motto
Meaning: Strength, vigilance, national unity, and Missouri’s place in the Union
Bears
Two grizzly bears standing upright as supporters of the shield.
Attributes: Two grizzly bears rampant
Meaning: Bravery, strength, and readiness to defend the state
Crescent
A crescent moon positioned above the shield.
Attributes: Silver crescent moon
Meaning: Growth, hope, and Missouri as a new and rising state at the time of admission
Motto
The Latin motto 'Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto' displayed around the seal.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law
Historical Timeline
Missouri admitted as 24th state.
Flag adopted after design by state senator’s wife.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Tricolor with central state seal
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 5/10
Fascinating Facts
Known as the Show Me State for its reputation of skepticism.
The flag includes both state and national symbols in its seal.
The seal is centered on a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue.
Two grizzly bears support the state shield.
The bald eagle represents the United States.
The crescent moon symbolizes growth and a new state.
The flag was officially adopted in 1913.
The design emphasizes Missouri’s place within the Union.
State Information
- Population
- 6,154,913
- Area
- 69,707
- Founded
- 10 Aug 1821
- Region
- Midwest
