While many recognize the U.S. flag’s iconic stars and stripes, fewer are aware of the unique designs and symbols on the 51 flags representing the states and Washington D.C.

Each state flag reflects its own history and unique symbols. Below, we present the 50 official flags from Alabama to Wyoming, along with Washington D.C., and their meanings.

Complete List of 50 U.S. State Flags and the District of Columbia

Alabama

The flag of Alabama features a white background with a red St. Andrew’s cross, a design that was adopted in 1895 and inspired by the Confederate battle flag.

Alaska

The Alaska state flag showcases eight gold stars, resembling the Big Dipper and Polaris, set against a dark blue field. Polaris, or the North Star, symbolizes Alaska’s northern location, while the Big Dipper represents strength, and the blue color signifies the night sky.

The North Star and the Big Dipper serve as important symbols of Alaska’s geography and heritage.

Arizona

The Arizona state flag displays a gold star which symbolizes copper, one of the state’s five principal C’s, as Arizona is the top producer of copper in the U.S. The 13 alternating red and gold stripes represent the sun. Additionally, the blue and gold colors shown on the flag are Arizona’s state colors.

Arkansas

The Arkansas flag features a prominent diamond shape in the center, symbolizing the state being the first in the U.S. to produce diamonds. The 25 white stars represent Arkansas’s rank as the 25th state to join the Union. Below the state name, three blue stars denote the three nations Arkansas belonged to before statehood: Spain, France, and the United States. The single star above “Arkansas” signifies the state’s association with the Confederacy.

California

The California flag features the state’s official animal, the grizzly bear, symbolizing resilience and strength. This depiction was inspired by a painting from the 19th century created by Californian artist Charles Nahl.

Colorado

The Colorado state flag features colors that reflect the state’s natural landscapes. White indicates the snowy peaks, gold represents sunshine, red stands for the soil, and blue symbolizes the sky.

The letter “C” represents Colorado, along with the columbine flower (the state flower) and the concept of “centennial,” marking Colorado’s statehood in 1876, which coincides with America’s 100-year anniversary of independence.

Connecticut

The Connecticut flag displays three grapevines, which are thought to symbolize either the three early settlements (Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford) or the three colonies (Connecticut, Saybrook, and New Haven) that united to create the state.

Its state motto, “Qui transtulit sustinet,” is shown on a white ribbon, meaning “he who transplanted still sustains.”

Delaware

The date “December 7, 1787,” found at the bottom of Delaware’s flag, signifies its status as the first state to join the Union.

The flag’s coat of arms showcases various state icons: a ship symbolizing shipbuilding and maritime trade, a militiaman representing citizen-soldiers upholding American freedoms, and water symbolizing the Delaware River.

District of Columbia

The flag of Washington D.C. is inspired by the coat of arms of the Washington family, featuring three red stars and two red stripes on a white field.

Florida

The Florida state seal illustrates the state’s natural environment, portraying elements like sunshine, palmetto trees, lakes, and rivers. There exists some debate regarding the inclusion of the St. Andrew’s cross on the state flag.

In the late 1890s, Governor Francis P. Fleming suggested introducing a red cross because the previous design, which featured just a white field and the seal, appeared similar to a surrender flag. However, others argue that its addition was influenced by the Confederate battle flag’s saltire.

Georgia

The thirteen white stars encircling Georgia’s coat of arms symbolize the state alongside the twelve other original colonies that constituted the United States.

The design of the flag is reminiscent of the Confederate Stars and Bars, featuring three horizontal stripes in red, white, and red, with a blue rectangle in the corner.

Hawaii

The eight horizontal stripes on Hawaii’s state flag symbolize the eight main islands that form the state. The flag also features the Union Jack of Great Britain in the corner, reflecting the islands’ historical ties to British rule.

Hawaii’s flag is unique as it is the only state flag in the U.S. that includes a foreign nation’s flag.

Idaho

The centerpiece of Idaho’s flag is the state seal, which showcases the key industries of the state: mining, agriculture, and forestry. It also depicts important geographic features like mountains and lakes.

Illinois

The Illinois flag showcases parts of the state seal, which features a rock on a piece of land with water and a sun rising behind it. The seal displays a shield containing the national stars and stripes held by a bald eagle.

A red ribbon illustrates the state motto: “State sovereignty — national union.” The dates 1818 and 1868 mark Illinois’ admission to statehood and the year the state seal was first used, respectively.

Indiana

The torch on Indiana’s flag signifies liberty and enlightenment. The outer circle contains 13 stars, representing the original colonies of the U.S.

In the inner semi-circle, five stars stand for the five states that joined the Union afterward. The prominent star above the torch indicates Indiana as the 19th state.

Iowa

The colors of Iowa’s flag each convey a significant message. The blue represents loyalty, justice, and truth, while the white symbolizes purity, and red stands for bravery.

At the center, an eagle is shown holding blue streamers with Iowa’s motto: “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.”

Kansas

The sunflower is a representation of Kansas’ state flower. The gold and blue bands underneath symbolize the Louisiana Purchase, which included Kansas. The 34 stars in the state seal denote that Kansas was the 34th state to enter the U.S.

The imagery within the seal reflects the state’s history, highlighting elements of agriculture and the growth of America.

Kentucky

The seal showcases both a frontiersman and a statesman, symbolizing the diverse populace of Kentucky: the rural and urban residents of 1792, the year the state entered the Union.

Additionally, the state’s motto is presented: “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Louisiana

The flag of Louisiana depicts a pelican feeding its young by tearing its own breast, symbolizing self-sacrifice, which is further emphasized by three drops of blood. Below the pelican, a ribbon carries the state motto: “Union, Justice and Confidence.”

Maine

Maine’s flag is adorned with symbols that reflect its natural heritage, featuring a prominent pine tree. The white pine serves as the state tree, leading to Maine’s nickname: “The Pine Tree State.”

The moose represents the state’s wildlife, while the farmer symbolizes its agricultural foundations, complemented by the sailor, which denotes Maine’s connection to the sea.

Maryland

The flag of Maryland features the heraldic shield of the Calvert and Crossland families. The black and gold design symbolizes Lord Baltimore from the Calvert lineage, who was pivotal in Maryland’s establishment.

During the Civil War, the Calvert emblem represented the state’s Union loyalists, while the red and white reflected the Crossland family to represent Confederate sympathizers.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts flag features the state’s coat of arms, which includes an Indigenous individual holding a bow and arrow.

With the arrow pointing downward, it represents a commitment to peace. The lone white star signifies Massachusetts’ status as one of the original colonies. A ribbon bears the state motto, which means, “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

Michigan

Michigan’s flag displays a moose and elk, while a bald eagle represents the nation.

The Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” translates to “Out of Many, One,” reflecting the idea of a united nation made up of various states. Additionally, “Tuebor” signifies “I Will Defend,” a nod to Michigan’s historical role on the frontier.

The state motto, featured on the flag, translates to “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you.”

Minnesota

On December 19, a fresh state flag for Minnesota was officially approved. This design was selected from over 2,600 public submissions.

The updated flag features an eight-pointed North Star, symbolizing the state’s nickname — The North Star State. This star is depicted against a deep blue background, reminiscent of Minnesota’s outline.

The new flag will be put into service on May 11, 2024, coinciding with Minnesota Statehood Day.

Mississippi

The present Mississippi flag was officially adopted in 2021 after the citizens of Mississippi decided to replace the previous Confederate-themed flag that had been in use for 126 years and prominently featured the Confederate battle symbol.

The new flag displays a white magnolia blossom, which symbolizes the state flower of Mississippi. Additionally, the 20 stars represent Mississippi’s entry into the Union as the 20th state.

Missouri

The colors of Missouri’s flag symbolize different values: red stands for valor, white signifies purity, and blue represents justice, vigilance, and permanence.

The center of the flag features Missouri’s state seal surrounded by 24 stars, marking Missouri’s status as the 24th state to join the Union.

Two grizzly bears represent the strength and courage of the state’s residents. The state motto reads, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law,” and the helmet signifies the authority of the people in Missouri.

Montana

The state seal on Montana’s flag illustrates elements of the state’s history and natural landscape. Symbols like the pick, shovel, and plow reflect Montana’s mining and agricultural legacy. A ribbon on the flag displays the state motto in Spanish, meaning “gold and silver.”

Nebraska

The state flag of Nebraska showcases its seal on a blue background. The seal includes symbols that highlight the importance of agriculture to the state. Train cars depicted on the flag are shown moving toward the Rocky Mountains. The state motto, “Equality Before the Law,” is also included.

Nevada

The flag of Nevada includes a silver star representing the state’s primary mineral, silver. This star is flanked by branches of sagebrush, the state flower. The phrase “Battle Born” reflects Nevada’s admission to the Union during the Civil War.

New Hampshire

The flag of New Hampshire features its state seal, with the frigate Raleigh surrounded by laurel leaves. The nine stars represent New Hampshire’s position as the ninth state to join the Union.

New Jersey

The colors used in the New Jersey state flag, buff and Jersey blue, were chosen by George Washington during the Revolutionary War to represent the state’s military forces.

The center of the flag displays the state seal, which includes symbols that denote agriculture and sovereignty. The horse head represents New Jersey’s official state animal, while the women depicted are Liberty and Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.

A grain seed signifies abundance and fertility.

New Mexico

The current flag of New Mexico features a modern rendition of the ancient Zia sun symbol. The number four is sacred to the Zia people, representing the four cardinal directions, four seasons, four times of the day, and the four phases of life.

The flag’s colors—red and yellow—echo the Spanish flag, reflecting New Mexico’s history as part of the Spanish Empire until the 1800s.

New York

The flag of New York showcases its coat of arms. Lady Liberty stands with Justice, whose blindfold signifies fairness, while Liberty’s foot rests on a crown, symbolizing freedom from British rule. The state motto is presented in Latin, meaning “ever upward.”

North Carolina

The date May 20, 1775 notes the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The secondary date, April 12, 1776, recognizes the Halifax Resolves, an early and significant push for independence from Britain during the American Revolution.

North Dakota

The olive branch depicted on North Dakota’s state flag signifies peace. A ribbon encircling the flag bears the state motto in Latin, meaning “out of many, one,” which refers to the United States.

The shield displays 13 stripes, symbolizing the original colonies. This design aligns with the colors, layout, and proportions of the regimental flag used by the North Dakota Infantry during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Ohio

The Ohio state flag is distinctive as the only non-rectangular flag of any U.S. state, designed by John Eisemann.

The blue triangular shape signifies the state’s rolling hills and valleys. The alternating red and white stripes reflect the roads and rivers cutting across the landscape. Surrounding the blue circle are 13 white stars representing the original colonies, with an additional four stars at the triangle’s top, totaling 17, indicating Ohio as the 17th state admitted to the Union.

Oklahoma

The blue field on Oklahoma’s state flag represents loyalty and commitment. The shield, crafted from traditional Osage buffalo hide, symbolizes defense.

The olive branch signifies settlers’ peace and the peace pipe embodies the Indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage, both depicted atop the shield.

Oregon

Oregon’s flag is unique as it showcases different designs on each side. The colors used are navy and gold, which are the state’s official colors. One side displays the state seal, and the year 1859 marks Oregon’s entry into the Union as the 33rd state, represented by the 33 stars.

The reverse side features the beaver, which is the designated state animal.

Pennsylvania

The flag of Pennsylvania prominently displays its coat of arms, which symbolizes both commerce and agriculture. Flanking the shield are two horses that represent strength, while the state motto, “Liberty, Virtue, Independence,” is inscribed on a red ribbon at the bottom.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s flag features 13 stars that honor the original colonies, with Rhode Island being the 13th state to enter the Union. The center showcases a gold anchor along with a blue ribbon displaying the state motto, “Hope.”

South Carolina

The flag of South Carolina is inspired by the blue uniforms and white crescent insignias worn by its soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The flag also features the palmetto tree, which is the state tree.

South Dakota

The flag of South Dakota displays the state seal, symbolizing its commerce, agriculture, industry, and natural resources. The state motto, “Under God the People Rule,” is prominently included on a ribbon.

The year 1889 signifies South Dakota’s official statehood.

Tennessee

Tennessee’s flag is adorned with stars that represent the state’s three “grand divisions”: East, Middle, and West Tennessee, arranged in a circle to convey unity.

Texas

The Texas flag resembles the flag of the Republic of Texas from 1839, a time when Texas was an independent country. The single white star is the source of Texas’ nickname, “The Lone Star State.”

The red, white, and blue colors symbolize bravery, purity, and loyalty, respectively.

Utah

The traditional flag of Utah showcases a bald eagle along with the state’s motto and two significant years: 1847, marking the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in Utah, and 1896, the year when Utah was admitted as the 45th state.

Starting March 9, 2024, Utah will implement its new state flag after it passed legislation in the legislature for the governor’s approval. The beehive flag is colored blue to represent the state’s lakes and skies, red for its red rock landscapes, and white for the snow-capped mountain tops.

The beehive symbolizes Utah’s heritage and its community, while the surrounding hexagon represents unity and strength. The white star stands for hope and commemorates the year 1896, when Utah became a state.

Vermont

The coat of arms featured on Vermont’s flag signifies the state’s agricultural resources. The two branches of pine needles symbolize the ones carried by Vermont soldiers during the Battle of Plattsburgh in the War of 1812.

The deer head represents the wildlife in the state, and it also includes the motto: “Freedom and Unity.”

Virginia

The flag of Virginia displays its official state seal, which illustrates the goddess Virtus standing over a conquered tyrant.

Accompanying it is the state motto in Latin, translating to “Thus always to tyrants.”

Washington

The flag of Washington is unique as it features an actual individual: George Washington himself. Furthermore, it’s the only state flag with a green backdrop.

West Virginia

The West Virginia flag displays the state motto in Latin, which translates to “Mountaineers are always free.” An emblem of rhododendron, the state flower, is also depicted. June 20, 1863 marks the date when West Virginia became a state.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin flag prominently features the state’s seal. It depicts a sailor and a miner, representing the state’s labor force. The tools illustrated symbolize the key professions such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and navigation. Additionally, the badger represents Wisconsin’s nickname and heritage.

The state animal is showcased here.

The year 1848 marks Wisconsin’s entry into the Union, and its motto, “Forward,” is highlighted.

Wyoming

The flag of Wyoming prominently features a bison, recognized as the state’s official animal. The red border signifies the Native Americans who first lived in the area and commemorates the lives lost there.

White is a symbol of purity, while blue denotes the sky and mountains of the state, embodying fidelity, justice, and courage.