Each of the 50 state flags of America are unique in their design and symbolism. While some elements can be identified across several examples, namely references to the original 13 colonies, the Stars and Stripes, and the bald eagle, a US state flag is essentially singular in its meaning and significance. A US state flag represents the history of that state, key moments in its timeline, and the character and patriotism of its people. It also serves to highlight its culture and heritage.
The Alabama flag's crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white dates back to 1895. The design preserves elements of the original battle flag of the Confederate states of America.
Alaska was admitted to the Union in 1959. The state flag features eight stars, forming the Big Dipper (a symbol of strength) and Polaris (denoting Alaska's northern location) on a dark blue field.
The Arizona flag was adopted in 1917. The star signifies the state's standing as the largest copper producer in the United States. The 13 alternating red and yellow rays symbolize the sun setting over the western desert and the original 13 colonies.
Adopted in 1913 but modified three times since, the Arkansas flag features a diamond shape representing the state as the first in the country to produce diamonds. The 25 stars bordering the diamond reflect that Arkansas was the 25th state admitted to the Union. The lone star above the word "Arkansas" represents the state's membership in the Confederacy, while the three below denote the three nations it was part of before becoming a state—Spain, France, and the United States.
As the state animal, the grizzly bear takes pride of place on the California state flag, first flown in 1911. Ironically, the grizzly no longer roams within state boundaries. The star represents sovereignty.
The state flag of Colorado is all about the letter "C." While it stands for the state's name, it also signifies columbine–the state flower–and centennial, as Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876, this 100 years after the American Revolution. The yellow and gold colors symbolize the state's abundant sunshine and gold production, while blue and white represent the wide open sky and snow-capped peaks.
The Connecticut state flag is emblazoned with a coat of arms featuring three grapevines symbolizing the region's three colonies—New Haven, Saybrook, and Hartford—that merged to become Connecticut. The state motto, Qui transtulit sustinet, translates as "He who is transplanted still sustains."
Delaware's state flag is full of symbolism. The blue field represents the color of George Washington's uniform. The date signifies when Delaware ratified the US Constitution, becoming the first state of the Union. The symbols set within the coat of arms variously represent shipbuilding, the citizen-soldier, and the Delaware River.
The seal in the middle of Florida's state flag embodies the state's environmental features and includes sun rays, palmetto (sabal palm), lakes, and rivers. There's also a Native American woman pictured scattering flowers. The crimson St. Andrews' cross is reminiscent of the Confederate battle flag.
The Georgia state flag has undergone several modifications: the current flag dates back as recently as 2003. Controversy stems from the fact that it's still reminiscent of the Confederate Stars and Bars. The 13 stars circling Georgia's coat of arms represent the state and the other 12 original colonies.
Unique in that it amalgamates the British Union Jack within the red, white, and blue of the United States, Hawaii's state flag is so designed because the islands were once under British control.
The Idaho state flag features a central seal representing the state's main industries: mining, agriculture, and forestry. The seal also serves to highlight the state's mountains and lakes.
Illinois' state flag features a seal on a white field. Within its borders are elements of the great outdoors over which flies a bald eagle clutching the national Stars and Stripes. The motto of Illinois reads: "State sovereignty —national union." The years 1818 and 1886 mark the years Illinois became a state and the first use of the state seal, respectively.
Liberty and enlightenment are the themes Indiana's state flag represent. The 13 stars in the outer circle symbolize the 13 colonies; the inner five represent the next five states to join the Union. The larger single star above the torch is a symbol of Indiana becoming the 19th state.
Iowa adopted its state flag in 1921. The three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red represent justice and truth, purity, and courage, respectively. The motto reads: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."
The Kansas state flag shows the state seal enclosing a herd of buffalo pursued by two mounted Native Americans symbolizing the first people who settled Kansas. The plowed fields represent the state's farming industry. The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas, while the blue and gold bar below symbolizes the Louisiana Purchase (through which Kansas was acquired from France).
Adopted in 1918, the Kentucky state flag features a frontiersman and a statesman standing together within the state seal—a representation of all the people of Kentucky. The motto reads: "United we stand, divided we fall."
A white pelican, the Louisiana state bird, is seen on the state flag tearing at its breast and drawing three drops of blood to feed its young—a symbol of the state's willingness to sacrifice itself for its citizens. The motto reads: "Union, Justice, and Confidence."
