States flags in the United States are not just simple symbols of identity—they often carry fascinating and sometimes downright bizarre histories. Each flag tells a unique story, shaped by historical events, cultural influences, and even some quirky decisions that have given rise to distinctive designs. While some states have purely functional flags, others carry legends, controversies, and unusual choices that might surprise you. Here are five such stories that showcase the strange and surprising histories behind some of America’s state flags.
The Flag of Oregon — A Double-Sided Design with a Dark Side
Oregon’s flag is unique in the United States for its two-sided design. On the front, it features the state seal—a complex emblem that reflects Oregon’s pioneering heritage and natural resources. On the back, it features a beaver, an animal that has played a significant role in the state’s history. Oregon adopted its double-sided flag design in 1925, but its origins stretch back to the mid-1800s when the territory was heavily involved in the fur trade. Beavers were crucial to the economy, and the animal came to symbolize Oregon’s growth and prosperity. Including the beaver on one side of the flag was a way of honoring that legacy.
The decision to create a dual-sided flag wasn’t entirely about aesthetics—it was also driven by Oregon’s economic ties to fur trapping. Some found the choice of a beaver to be a bit quirky or even humorous, particularly compared to the grand symbols of other states. Nonetheless, Oregonians embraced the beaver as a proud emblem of their state’s heritage, albeit one that often goes unnoticed compared to the intricate state seal on the front. The dual design is not only rare but also expensive to reproduce, which is why Oregon remains the only state with a two-sided flag today. This quirky feature makes it a hidden gem among the more standard state flags across the country.
The Flag of Texas — A Lone Star State with a Surprising Backstory
The Texas state flag—known as the “Lone Star Flag”—features a single white star, symbolizing unity, against a blue vertical stripe, alongside horizontal white and red stripes. It’s a simple yet bold design that has come to represent Texan identity. The flag’s design dates back to 1839, when Texas was an independent republic, having declared independence from Mexico just a few years earlier. The lone star became a powerful symbol of Texas’ independent spirit, especially during its brief stint as a republic between 1836 and 1845.
Various influences, including European heraldry and the United States flag itself, inspired the design of this flag. There is even a legend that some Texas soldiers sewed the original version of the flag by hand, adding a deeply personal and emotional element to its creation. This handcrafted origin gave the flag an almost mythic status among Texans, who saw it as a testament to their resilience and desire for independence. The Lone Star Flag wasn’t formally adopted as the official state flag until 1933, decades after Texas joined the United States, despite its iconic role in the state’s history and culture.
The Flag of New Mexico — A Zia Symbol with Ancient Roots
New Mexico’s flag features a bright yellow background with a red sun symbol known as the Zia symbol—a design that stands out due to its bold simplicity and cultural significance. The Zia symbol originates from the Zia Pueblo, a Native American tribe, and holds deep spiritual meaning. The sun symbol represents the number four, sacred in Zia culture, representing the four cardinal directions, the four seasons, the four times of day, and the four stages of life.
When the Zia symbol was first adopted for the flag in 1925, there was little consultation with the Zia Pueblo, which led to some tension. Many in the tribe considered the symbol sacred, and its widespread use was seen as a form of cultural appropriation. Despite these concerns, the Zia symbol was adopted, and today, it stands as one of the most recognizable state flags in the country. Using the Zia symbol on New Mexico’s flag has sparked ongoing debates about cultural respect and intellectual property. Despite the controversy, it remains a symbol of unity for the state, combining ancient Native American heritage with modern state identity.
The Flag of Mississippi — A Controversial Change and Historical Legacy
Mississippi’s flag has a complex and contentious history, especially given its previous incorporation of the Confederate Battle Flag. For over a century, Mississippi’s flag prominently featured the Confederate emblem—a design adopted in 1894, long after the Civil War ended. This choice reflected the attitudes of the time, particularly regarding the South’s cultural identity.
The Confederate imagery became increasingly controversial, particularly during the Civil Rights movement and into the 21st century, due to its associations with racism and segregation. In 2020, following nationwide protests and public pressure, Mississippi retired its old flag and adopted a new one, marking a historic shift away from its controversial past. The new flag, adopted in 2021, features a magnolia blossom, symbolizing hope and hospitality. This change was not just a redesign but a pivotal moment that signified a broader cultural shift within the state, aiming to embrace a more inclusive identity.
The Flag of Utah — A Symbol of Religion, Statehood, and Bee-Keeping
Utah’s flag features a bald eagle, a beehive, and two crossed Sego lilies, all set against a blue background. Each element represents an important part of Utah’s culture and history. The beehive is a particularly significant symbol for Utah, representing industry and the pioneer perseverance that characterized the Mormon settlers who founded the state. The beehive reflects the Mormon idea of a cooperative, hardworking community—values that were crucial to the settlers’ survival in the harsh environment of the Great Basin.
The Sego Lily, also featured on the flag, holds religious significance for Utah’s Mormon population. During a period of famine in the mid-1800s, early settlers survived by eating the roots of the Sego Lily, which has since become a symbol of resilience and divine providence. The beehive also ties into Utah’s nickname, “The Beehive State,” and its motto, “Industry.” Despite being an unusual choice, the beehive reflects the values of self-sufficiency and community that are still central to Utah’s identity today.