On blue, an eagle clutching arrows and olive branch, a shield on its breast, and a banner reading “E Pluribus Unum.” Above, a fan of thirteen stars. The design echoes the national coat of arms, asserting loyalty and federal unity.
Blue field with eagle, scroll reading ‘North Dakota,’ and 13 stars.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Adapted from regimental flag
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Bald eagle
- Design type
- National eagle emblem on blue field
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Bald Eagle
Represents strength and freedom.
Shield On Eagle’S Chest
Reflects the U.S. flag.
Olive Branch And Arrows
Symbols of peace and defense.
Design Breakdown
The North Dakota 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: Blue field with eagle, scroll reading ‘North Dakota,’ and 13 stars.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of few state flags closely resembling a military color
- Strongly emphasizes national over state-specific symbolism
- Features both peace and war symbols simultaneously
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong patriotic symbolism
- Clear agricultural references
- Close visual ties to U.S. national identity
Common criticism
- Highly detailed design
- Includes text
- Difficult to distinguish from similar flags at distance
- Complex to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove text
- Simplify the eagle design
- Adopt a plains or wheat-based standalone symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the North Dakota state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Identify U.S. national symbols on the flag.
- Explain the connection between the military regimental flag and the state flag.
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
Eagle
A bald eagle displayed prominently at the center of the flag.
Attributes: Bald eagle with outstretched wings, Olive branch, Bundle of arrows
Meaning: Peace through strength, national unity, and federal authority
Shield
A shield on the eagle’s breast featuring agricultural and frontier imagery.
Attributes: Plow, Sheaf of wheat, Setting sun
Meaning: Agriculture, settlement, and opportunity in the Great Plains
Motto Ribbon
A red ribbon held in the eagle’s beak reading 'E Pluribus Unum'.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Unity formed from many states and peoples
State Name
A scroll beneath the eagle reading 'NORTH DAKOTA'.
Attributes: Gold capital letters
Meaning: Clear labeling of the state
Historical Timeline
Statehood granted.
Official adoption of current design.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: National eagle emblem on blue field
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
The design closely resembles a military flag used by North Dakota troops.
The nickname ‘Peace Garden State’ references the International Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canada border.
The flag is based on the unit banner of the First North Dakota Infantry.
An eagle holding arrows and an olive branch is the central symbol.
The shield on the eagle represents national defense.
The scroll below the eagle bears the state name.
The flag features a dark blue field.
The design was officially adopted in 1911.
State Information
- Population
- 779,094
- Area
- 70,704
- Founded
- 02 Nov 1889
- Region
- Midwest
