The Complete Guide to U. S. State Flags: Redesigns, Symbolism, and Pending Changes
By Elena Rostova
Q1: Why do so many U.S. state flags use dark blue backgrounds?
During the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, state infantry regiments carried military flags featuring their state coats of arms sewn onto military-issue navy silk. When state legislatures moved to adopt official civilian flags between 1890 and 1925, they converted these decommissioned infantry banners into law without consulting graphic designers.
Q2: Who sets the official rules for modern flag design?
The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) establishes the primary guidelines through Good Flag, Bad Flag. NAVA has no formal regulatory authority over governments, but state legislative commissions routinely consult its five core principles to evaluate submissions.
Q3: Does changing a state flag require changing the state seal?
No. In almost every recent case, including Mississippi, Utah, and Minnesota, the state seal remains legally intact for official judicial documents, statutes, and gubernatorial stationery. Redesign bills apply strictly to the official state flag.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
