A white field bordered in blue, with the state coat of arms framed by a wreath of rhododendron. Farmer and miner flank a rock inscribed “June 20, 1863,” the date of statehood. Above, a red ribbon spells “State of West Virginia.”
White field bordered in blue, with state coat of arms surrounded by rhododendrons and red ribbon.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal on white field with border
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Coat Of Arms
Depicts farmers, miners, and symbols of liberty.
Rhododendron
Represents the state flower.
Motto
‘Montani Semper Liberi’ means ‘Mountaineers are Always Free.’
Design Breakdown
The West Virginia 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: White field bordered in blue, with state coat of arms surrounded by rhododendrons and red ribbon.
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 with a white field
- Explicitly commemorates Civil War-era statehood
- Uses a Latin motto emphasizing freedom
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong Civil War symbolism
- Clear representation of labor and freedom
- Distinctive white field with blue border
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes text and date
- Low visibility at distance
- Complex imagery
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal
- Eliminate text and date
- Adopt a mountain or river-based symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the West Virginia state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain motto ‘Montani Semper Liberi.’
- Discuss why West Virginia was created during the Civil War.
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 West Virginia state seal centered on a white field with a blue border.
Attributes: Two men (farmer and miner), Rock inscribed with date, Rifle and liberty cap, Laurel wreath, State motto
Meaning: Labor, freedom, and West Virginia’s separation from Virginia during the Civil War
Figures
A farmer and a miner standing on either side of a central rock.
Attributes: Farmer with plow, Miner with pickaxe
Meaning: Agriculture and industry united in building the state
Date
The date 'June 20, 1863' inscribed on the central rock.
Attributes: Inscribed date
Meaning: West Virginia’s admission to the Union
Motto
The state motto 'Montani Semper Liberi' displayed on a ribbon.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Mountaineers are always free
Historical Timeline
West Virginia admitted as 35th state during the Civil War.
Current flag adopted with rhododendron framing.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on white field with border
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
Only state formed by seceding from a Confederate state during the Civil War.
Nicknamed the Mountain State for its rugged terrain and Appalachian culture.
The state seal is centered on a white field.
A wreath of rhododendron, the state flower, surrounds the seal.
Two men represent agriculture and industry.
The cap above the seal symbolizes liberty.
The blue border distinguishes it from plain white flags.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1907.
State Information
- Population
- 1,793,716
- Area
- 24,038
- Founded
- 20 Jun 1863
- Region
- South
