When shopping for official state flags, you may encounter the flag of Missouri. All 50 states in the United States have an official flag, and Missouri is no exception. It features three horizontal stripes consisting of red, white and blue colors. In the center of the Missouri flag is the state’s coat of arms. To learn more about the Missouri flag, keep reading. t
Origins of the Flag of Missouri
The Missouri flag has been around for over a century. It was adopted on March 22, 1913. On this day, Missouri governor signed the State Flag Act recognizing the aforementioned design as the state’s official flag.
Of all 50 states, Missouri has the longest-running flag design. It was adopted in 1913. The Missouri flag has remained unchanged ever since. Other states have their own flag as well, but they aren’t as old as the Missouri flag.
Who Designed the Flag of Missouri?
You might be wondering who designed the Missouri flag. Reports show that it was designed by Missouri native Marie Elizabeth Oliver. Oliver was the wife of Missouri Senator R.B. Oliver. In 1908, she worked as a volunteer for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). As part of her volunteer work, Oliver was tasked with creating a new design for the Missouri flag.
Oliver’s initial design consisted of the state’s coat of arms on a painted paper flag. She introduced this design to the Missouri State Capital in 1908. Shortly thereafter, Missouri adopted Oliver’s design.
What Does the Flag of Missouri Symbolize?
As shown in the photo above, the Missouri flag features three horizontal stripes. There’s a red stripe at the top, followed by a white stripe in the middle and then a blue stripe at the bottom. These colored stripes symbolize valor, purity and justice. Historians also believe that the colors symbolize Missouri’s connection to France.
The Missouri flag features the state’s coat of arms as well. There are 24 stars encircling the coat of arms. Missouri, of course, was the 24th state to be added to the union. This is why the Missouri flag features 24 stars around the coat of arms.
The coat of arms depicts a pair of grizzly bears. Missouri is one of just two states to depict this animal in its flag, with the other being California. In the center of the Missouri flag is the state’s coat of arms, which depicts a pair of grizzly bears standing upright.
