List of flags of the United States
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2019) |
File:Information icon4.svg |
This is a list of flags in the United States describing the evolution of the flag of the United States, as well as other flags used within the United States, such as the flags of governmental agencies. There are also separate flags for embassies and ships.
National flags
Historical progression of designs
Since 1818, a star for each new state has been added to the flag on the Fourth of July the year immediately following each state's admission. In years in which multiple states have been admitted, the corresponding number of stars were added to the flag. This change has typically been the only change made with each revision of the flag since 1777, with the exception of changes in 1795 and 1818, which increased the number of stripes to 15 and then returned it to 13, respectively. As the exact pattern of stars was not specified prior to 1912, many of the historical U.S. national flags (shown below) have had varied arrangements of the stars.[1]
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Betsy Ross circular 13-star version (1792) *other
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag "Hopkinson" version (1777–1795) *other
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1795–1818 (the "Star-Spangled Banner", 15 stars, 15 stripes)
Other historical versions
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Betsy Ross circular 13-star version (1792)
Executive branch flags
Office of the President
Office of the Vice President
Department of State
Department of the Treasury
Department of Defense
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Undersecretary of Defense
Department of the Army
Army
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Field flag of the United States Army
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an unrestricted line (URL) Navy admiral (staff corps flag officers have white flags with the appropriate number of blue stars in an identical pattern as URL admiral's flags).
Marine Corps
Department of the Air Force
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Air Force Senior Executive Service
Air Force
Space Force
National Guard Bureau
-
Flag of the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It has quasi-military organizational and rank structures modeled on those of the Air Force.[2]
Department of Justice
Department of the Interior
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the General Counsel of the Department of Commerce
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Head of a Department of Commerce Primary Operating Unit
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Associate Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
vice admiral -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
rear admiral -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
rear admiral (lower half)
Department of Labor
Department of Health and Human Services
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health
United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Surgeon General
(rear admiral) -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a 2-star Assistant Surgeon General
(rear admiral) -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a 1-star Assistant Surgeon General
(rear admiral (lower half))
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of Transportation
Department of Energy
Department of Education
Department of Veterans Affairs
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Under Secretaries of Veterans Affairs for Health, Benefits, and Memorial Affairs
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Director of the National Cemetery System
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Department of Homeland Security
Coast Guard
Legislative branch flags
Congress
Other federal flags
Many agencies, departments, and offices of the U.S. federal government have their own flags, guidons, or standards. Following traditional American vexillology, these usually consist of the agency's departmental seal on a blank opaque background, but not always.
-
Flag of the Agency for International Development
-
Flag of the Central Intelligence Agency
-
Flag of the Environmental Protection Agency
-
Flag of the Federal Reserve System
-
Flag of the Federal Trade Commission
-
Flag of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
-
Flag of the National League of Families POW/MIA
-
Flag of the National Science Foundation
-
Flag of the Peace Corps
-
Flag of the Securities and Exchange Commission
-
Flag of the Senior Executive Service
-
Flag of the Smithsonian Institution
-
Flag of the Social Security Administration
-
Flag of the Tennessee Valley Authority
-
Flag of the United States Intelligence Community
State and territory flags
The flags of the U.S. states, territories, and federal district exhibit a variety of regional influences and local histories, as well as different styles and design principles. Nonetheless, the majority of the states' flags share the same design pattern consisting of the state seal superimposed on a monochrome background, commonly every different shade of blue, which remains a source of criticism from vexillologists. The most recent current state flag is that of Minnesota (May 11, 2024), while the most recent current territorial flag is that of the Northern Mariana Islands (July 1, 1985).
History
Modern U.S. state flags date from the 1890s, when states wanted to have distinctive symbols at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Most U.S. state flags were designed and adopted between 1893 and World War I.[3] According to a 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association, New Mexico has the best-designed flag of any U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canadian province, while Georgia's state flag was rated the worst design.[4] (Georgia adopted a new flag in 2003; Nebraska's state flag, whose design was rated second worst, remains in use to date.)
Current state flags
Dates in parentheses denote when the current flag was adopted by the state's legislature.
Flag of California
(June 14, 1953)[7]Flag of Connecticut
(September 9, 1897)Flag of Massachusetts
(July 3, 1971)Flag of Mississippi
(January 11, 2021)Flag of New Jersey
(May 11, 1896)Flag of New Mexico
(March 15, 1925)Flag of North Carolina
(March 9, 1885)[14]Flag of North Dakota
(March 11, 1911)Flag of Pennsylvania
(June 13, 1907)Flag of Rhode Island
(November 1, 1897)Flag of South Carolina
(January 26, 1861)Flag of South Dakota
(November 9, 1992)Flag of Washington
(March 5, 1923)Flag of West Virginia
(March 7, 1929)
Current federal district flag
Current inhabited territory flags
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of Guam
(unincorporated organized territory) -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Northern Mariana Islands
(unincorporated organized territory with Commonwealth status) -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of Puerto Rico
(unincorporated organized territory with Commonwealth status) -
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands
(unincorporated organized territory)
County flags
-
Flag of Alameda County, California
-
Flag of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
-
Flag of Clark County, Nevada
-
Flag of Collin County, Texas
-
Flag of Cuyahoga County, Ohio
-
Flag of Dallas County, Texas
-
Flag of Fairfax County, Virginia
-
Flag of Franklin County, Ohio
-
Flag of Fulton County, Georgia
-
Flag of Gwinnett County, Georgia
-
Flag of Hennepin County, Minnesota
-
Flag of Hillsborough County, Florida
-
Flag of Los Angeles County, California
-
Flag of Maricopa County, Arizona
-
Flag of Miami-Dade County, Florida
-
Flag of Oakland County, Michigan
-
Flag of Orange County, California
-
Flag of Orange County, Florida
-
Flag of Palm Beach County, Florida
-
Flag of Riverside County, California
-
Flag of Sacramento County, California
-
Flag of St. Louis County, Missouri
-
Flag of San Diego County, California
-
Flag of Santa Clara County, California
-
Flag of Tarrant County, Texas
-
Flag of Travis County, Texas
-
Flag of Wayne County, Michigan
-
Flag of Westchester County, New York
City flags
-
Flag of Albuquerque
-
Flag of Cincinnati
-
Flag of Des Moines
-
Flag of Fresno
-
Flag of Honolulu
-
Flag of Indianapolis
-
Flag of Jacksonville
-
Flag of Kansas City
-
Flag of Los Angeles
-
Flag of Louisville
-
Flag of Minneapolis
-
Flag of New Orleans
-
Flag of Oakland
-
Flag of Oklahoma City
-
Flag of Omaha
-
Flag of Philadelphia
-
Flag of Pittsburgh
-
Flag of Raleigh
-
Flag of Sacramento
-
Flag of San Antonio
-
Flag of San Juan
-
Flag of Virginia Beach
Maritime flags
Ensigns
National
Since 1777, the national ensign of the United States has also simultaneously served as its national flag. The current version is shown below; for previous versions, please see the section Historical progression of designs above.
States
Other
-
Ensign of the Power Squadrons
Jacks
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Union Jack (state jack, 2002–present; naval and state jack, 1960–2002, 2019–present)
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag First Navy Jack (naval jack for all warships 1975–1976 & 2002–2019; for oldest commissioned warship 1980–present)
Distinctive marks
Commissioning pennants
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Commissioning pennant of the United States Navy
-
Commissioning pennant of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for Class I vessels
-
Commissioning pennant of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for Class II, III, and IV vessels
Native American tribal flags
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Ninilchik Village Tribe
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation)
Associated state flags
While the countries mentioned are recognized independent nations with United Nations seats, the United States maintains and exercises jurisdictional control over the countries in defense, security, and funding grants.
Historical flags
[icon] | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2008) |
Thirteen Colonies
American Revolutionary War
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Naval Ensign of New York (1775)
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Schenectady Liberty Flag
Former federal flags
Flag of the General Services Administration (1972–1973)
Flag of the General Services Administration (1973–1989)
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Infantry Battalion flag (de facto flag of the U.S. Navy until 1959)
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Under Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Assistant Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare
Commissioning pennant of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey for Class I vessels ( ? –1970)
Commissioning pennant of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey for Class II, III, and IV vessels ( ? –1970)
Other states
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Green Mountain Boys, the Vermont Republic (1777–1791), and the state of Vermont (1791–1804)
-
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 1st Maine Militia from 1822 to 1861
Former territories and administered areas
See also
- Flag Day in the United States
- Flag desecration in the United States
- Flags of the U.S. states and territories
- North American Vexillological Association
- United States Flag Code
References
- ↑ "The Flag of the United States of America". The United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
- ↑ "Civil Air Patrol". AF.mil. United States Air Force. January 23, 2009. Archived from the original on December 3, 2010.
- ↑ Artimovich, Nick. "Questions & Answers". North American Vexillological Association. p. 8. Archived from the original on April 17, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ↑ Kaye, Ted (June 10, 2001). "NEW MEXICO TOPS STATE/PROVINCIAL FLAGS SURVEY, GEORGIA LOSES BY WIDE MARGIN". North American Vexillological Association. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2007.
- ↑ "State Flag of Alabama". Alabama Emblems, Symbols and Honors. Alabama Department of Archives & History. April 27, 2006. Retrieved March 18, 2007.
- ↑ "Bill Information". Arkansas State Legislature - 88th General Assembly. 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ↑ "California State Flag Specifications" (PDF). bearflagmuseum.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 7, 2019.
- ↑ "State Flag". Colorado State Archives. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ↑ Smith, Whitney. "flag of Florida". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ↑ "Flags That Have Flown Over Georgia: The History of the Georgia State Flag". Secretary of State of Georgia. 2003. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
- ↑ Smith, Whitney. "flag of Idaho". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ↑ Smith, Whitney. "flag of Indiana". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ↑ Anderson, Ed (November 22, 2010). "New Louisiana state flag with bleeding pelican is unfurled". The Times-Picayune. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
- ↑ "Official State Symbols of North Carolina". North Carolina State Library. State of North Carolina. Archived from the original on February 6, 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2008.
- ↑ "The Oklahoma State Flag". NetState. NState, LLC. February 6, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
Colors shall be colorfast and shall not bleed one into another. Added by Laws 1925, c. 234, p. 340, § 1. Amended by Laws 1941, p. 90, § 1; Laws 2006, c. 181, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.
- ↑ "Enrolled Senate Bill No. 1359". Oklahoma State Courts Network. May 23, 2006. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
This act shall become effective November 1, 2006.
- ↑ Text states that Oregon adopted its flag in 1925
- ↑ Dan Bammes (February 17, 2011). "Legislature: Fixing the Flag". KUER-FM. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
- ↑ Commonwealth of Virginia (February 1, 1950). "§ 1-506. Flag of the Commonwealth". Code of Virginia. Virginia: Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
The flag of the Commonwealth shall be a deep blue field, with a circular white centre of the same material. Upon this circle shall be painted or embroidered, to show on both sides alike, the coat of arms of the Commonwealth, as described in § 1-500 for the obverse of the great seal of the Commonwealth; and there may be a white fringe on the outer edge, furthest from the flagstaff. This shall be known and respected as the flag of the Commonwealth. (Code 1950, § 7-32; 1966, c. 102, § 7.1-32; 2005, c. 839.)
- ↑ State of Wisconsin. "286". Section: 1.08: State flag. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
The department of administration shall ensure that all official state flags that are manufactured on or after May 1, 1981, conform to the requirements of this section. State flags manufactured before May 1, 1981, may continue to be used as state flags.
{{cite book}}
:|work=
ignored (help)
External links
- The History of U.S. Flags (YouTube) (Slideshow on U.S. National Flags Historical Progression)
- History of the flags (in Russian)
- United States Minor Outlying Islands at Flags of the World