Blue field bordered in white and red, with the silhouette of a bison at centre. Within the bison is the state seal, linking the symbol of the frontier with law and government. A bold, modern design that speaks plainly of the state’s identity.
Blue field with white bison centered bearing the state seal, bordered by white and outer red.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Verna Keays
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Bison
- Design type
- Animal emblem with embedded seal
- Complexity
- 5/10
- Readability
- 8/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Bison
Represents the wildlife and the American West.
State Seal
Highlights equality and the state’s industries.
Red And White Border
Honors Native Americans and pioneers.
Design Breakdown
The Wyoming 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 white bison centered bearing the state seal, bordered by white and outer red.
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 bison silhouette
- Prominently integrates an animal with the state seal
- Strongly associated with the American frontier
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong and instantly recognizable animal symbol
- Clear Western identity
- Good contrast and visibility
Common criticism
- Includes a detailed state seal
- Seal placement reduces simplicity
- Mixed symbolic styles
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal from the bison
- Use a simplified bison silhouette only
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Wyoming state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain why Wyoming is called the Equality State.
- Identify symbolism of the bison and border colors.
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
Bison
A white silhouette of an American bison centered on the flag.
Attributes: White bison silhouette
Meaning: Wyoming’s wildlife heritage, strength, and the American West
State Seal
The Wyoming state seal placed within the body of the bison.
Attributes: State seal, Rope border
Meaning: State authority, governance, and identity
Field And Borders
Blue field with white and red borders.
Attributes: Blue field, White border, Red border
Meaning: Loyalty (blue), purity (white), and courage (red)
Historical Timeline
Admitted as the 44th state.
Flag adopted after a DAR-sponsored contest.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Animal emblem with embedded seal
Complexity: 5/10
Readability: 8/10
Fascinating Facts
Nicknamed the Equality State for early adoption of women’s suffrage.
Original design had the bison facing the fly; it was reversed to face the staff.
The bison is the central symbol of the flag.
The state seal is placed on the bison’s body.
The blue field represents loyalty and justice.
White border symbolizes purity and uprightness.
The flag was first adopted in 1917.
Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote.
State Information
- Population
- 576,851
- Area
- 97,813
- Founded
- 10 Jul 1890
- Region
- West
