Vexillology: New and Old US State Flags

My favorite US state flags: >> https://michaeldesrosiers.blogspot.com/2020/04/vexillology-us-states.html

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I've got a big problem with most of the flags of the US states. Some are great! Unfortunately, far too many states opt for a boring blue field with the state seal on it. Like these:

Kentucky

Montana

Nebraska

Or these:

New Hampshire

Vermont

Utah

Super boring. I think that state flags should reflect the unique culture, history, and heritage of each individual US state. Our country is, after all, a big beautiful federation of 50 special and unique states, each with its own culture and heritage.

That being said, two states have (for one reason or another) just this year introduced new and super-nice flags that I think are worthy of highlighting. I also want to write about three former state flags that I found interesting and worth writing about.

New State Flags

Mississippi; 2021-Present

Mississippi's flag has attracted plenty of controversy over the past few decades, but was thrown into the light in the last year as the only flag left in the United States that still featured the Confederate Battle Flag in its canton. There had been a huge push to change Mississippi's flag due to various racial and historical issues (it is, after all, kind of inappropriate to put the flag of a defeated enemy state on a state flag). A ceremonial flag had been introduced for Mississippi's bicentennial in 2001, and while it was often flown in an official capacity, and while there was a huge campaign to make it the official state flag, it never gained much traction.

The old flag attracted so much controversy that both the Mississippi Baptist Convention and Walmart boycotted flying the flag. Eventually, the state government had to concede that it was time for a change.

In 2020, a bipartisan commission introduced legislation to change the flag to be more inclusive and to better reflect the unique cultural heritage of the state of Mississippi. A public referendum in 2020 chose this absolute beauty of a flag, the Magnolia Flag. 

The magnolia is the official state flower of Mississippi. It is ringed by stars and, while it keeps the colors of the old flag, now features the United States Motto "In God We Trust" in place of the old Confederate battle flag.

I love it.

Honestly, if this flag had existed last year when I wrote the post about US state flags, it may have had a spot on my list!

Previous Mississippi Flag (left) and 2001 Ceremonial Bicentennial Flag (right)

     

Utah (Ceremonial Flag), 2021

Utah's state flag wasn't controversial, just boring. It's one of those dull blue field flags that I mentioned earlier on in this post. Luckily, there's a big push to redesign Utah's state flag, too! Utah is known as the "Deseret State". "Deseret" is a word from the Book of Mormon meaning "honeybee". Thus, the beehive is a symbol of the state, and even appeared on a very old flag of Utah Territory long, long ago.

Today, the beehive is the most iconic symbol of Utah, and it makes sense to feature it on its flag.

This Beehive Flag was introduced this year for the state's bicentennial celebration as an official ceremonial flag, but there is also a movement to make it permanent and official. And I say, let's go!!! I'm all for it! 

This flag is cool! The beehive is a unique design that harkens back to Utah's Mormon past whist modernizing for the future. It keeps the iconic red and blue, but introduces an outstanding golden element. Very cool. 

Old State Flags

There are also a fair number of old state flags that are no longer in use which I find charming. I might think that they are vexillologically good or bad, but either way, I find them to be interesting and unique examples of state flags.

None of these flags are currently in use, but I like them.

Louisiana; 1861-1912

Today's Louisiana flag features a pelican. I like it. It's sort of heraldic, and it really reflects the gulf coast culture of the state. Still, I'm quite fond of Louisiana's old state flag as well.

The old flag is reminiscent of the US flag, but in different colors and with a single star representing solely the state of Louisiana.

Nevada; 1905-1915

This flag is just silly, isn't it?

Silver... Nevada... Gold

I mean, I know what they mean, but it's just too many words on one flag. Nevertheless, I find this old Nevada flag both archaic and charming. It really speaks to the excitement of the settlers who sought their fortunes in the deserts of Nevada. It really evokes the emotions of those who traveled to Nevada to seek out riches in the mysterious New World.

Vermont Republic; 1770-1804

Nevada Republic only existed for a few years before being absorbed into the United States, but this flag is still used by the Nevada Republic independence movement, and by those who hope to introduce it as an official state flag.

Nevada's flag is another one of the boring blue ones, and while I think that the UN blue and forest green kind of clash, I'll support any state flag that gets away from the traditional boring format.

And, as a fun side note, Vermont Republic even issues its own passport! I don't know if its a real serious movement or more of a political statement, but I like their flag nevertheless.