Many students go through their school-age years learning that 50 states make up the nation. However, some tend to miss out on knowledge of the individual states themselves. Each state in the US has a history that its government often likes to portray through its state flag. These are some unique US state flag facts you didn’t know you needed but now have the opportunity to learn about in this article.
Alaska
Alaska’s state flag came to be thanks to a 13-year-old by the name of Benny Benson. In 1927, the Alaskan came across a state flag design contest that asked contestants to use imagery that would represent the state. Benny depicted the Big Dipper constellation with 8 stars followed by the North Star. Benson’s entry beat out those of 700 other entrants and won him $1,000 and an engraved watch. Fancy!
Arizona
Arizona’s state banner is possibly the most vibrant of the bunch, using golden-yellow, red, orange, and blue. The yellow and red depict the rays of a sunset, acknowledging the 13 original colonies of the US.
California
Many people recognize this banner and connect it to a specific clothing brand, but California’s state flag has a bit more history than shorts and hooded sweatshirts. The bear depicted in the center refers to the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, a result of US citizens wanting California join the nation as a state.
Georgia
Georgia’s state banner wasn’t always what its locals recognize it as today. In the last 17 years, this state’s flag went through several changes to break away from its outdated design and controversial values.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s flag is one of the most unique banners of all 50 states due to its use of the Union Jack of the United Kingdom. This was a result of the favorable relationship between the state and the British Empire back in 1843.
Ohio
Ohio’s flag is the only one that doesn’t follow the usual rectangular format like the rest of the banners; its swallowtail design came to be in 1901. This banner also pays tribute to the original 13 territories with stars surrounding the “O.” To the right of the “O” are 4 other stars that bring the total to 17, symbolizing Ohio’s place as the 17th state in the Union.
South Carolina
As one of the original 13 states, South Carolina has a flag that portrays a palmetto tree under a crescent moon. The palmetto tree played a significant role in Revolutionary War battles, as it served to build walls to withstand British cannons.
Unfortunately, thoroughly explaining each state banner in such a short amount of time would be impossible. On the bright side, these unique US state flag facts you didn’t know you needed can provide the right amount of information to get you started on learning more about the many regions of this country.