Flag of Arizona facts for kids
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| Use | Civil and state flag    |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Adopted | February 27, 1917 |
| Design | Thirteen red and gold rays on the top half and blue on the lower half, with a copper star in the center. |
The flag of Arizona is the official flag of the American state of Arizona. It is famous for its bright colors, bold stripes, and a shining star in the middle. The flag tells the story of Arizona's history, beautiful desert landscapes, and natural resources.
Arizona's flag has three main parts. The top half shows thirteen rays of alternating red and gold. These rays look just like a setting sun over the desert. The bottom half is a solid field of dark blue. In the very center sits a large five-pointed star colored like real copper.
People across the country recognize this flag as one of the most eye-catching designs in North America.
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Meaning of the Colors and Symbols on the Arizona Flag
Every single detail on the Arizona state flag has a special meaning. The top half features thirteen rays of light spreading outward from the center. These thirteen rays honor the original Thirteen Colonies that formed the early United States.
The bright red and gold colors in the rays also have deep historical roots. They match the colors found on the historical Flag of Spain. Long ago, Spanish explorers like Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vázquez de Coronado traveled through the region. Coronado led an expedition in 1540 to search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. Because Arizona is in the American West, the rays also represent the gorgeous desert sunsets seen every evening.
The bottom half of the flag is colored "liberty blue." This blue matches the shade used on the flag of the United States. It also represents the famous Colorado River that flows through Arizona and carved the Grand Canyon.
Right in the middle of the banner is a large copper-colored star. This star highlights the importance of copper mining. Arizona has always been famous for its mines. In fact, Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the country. Because of this, Arizona is often called the "Copper State."
Official Flag Rules and Proportions
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Arizona state law explains exactly how people must make the state flag. The height of the flag is two units high, and the width is three units wide. A common size is four feet high by six feet wide.
According to official state rules:
- The top half is divided into thirteen equal rays starting from the center line.
- There are seven red rays and six yellow rays alternating across the top.
- The bottom half is a solid blue field measuring one unit high and three units wide.
- The copper star in the center is two feet tall on a standard flag.
- The top points of the star sit one foot from the flag's top edge.
- The bottom points of the star sit one foot from the bottom edge.
Following these precise measurements helps flag makers create the correct proportions every time.
History of the Arizona Flag
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The story of the Arizona flag began before Arizona even became an official state. In 1910, the Arizona National Guard rifle team traveled to Camp Perry in Ohio for a national shooting competition. When they arrived, Colonel Charles Wilfred Harris noticed something surprising. Arizona was the only team without an official banner or team flag.
Colonel Harris wanted his team to stand out with pride. He joined forces with W. R. Stewart, the president of the Mesa Rifle Team. Together, they sketched out a bold design. According to local history, Stewart's wife, Mae Stewart, sewed the very first competition flag using a sketch drawn on the back of an envelope. To get the perfect color for the center star, Stewart dropped copper dye and white cloth into boiling water.
Other famous leaders helped too. Carl Hayden, who became an important Arizona leader in the United States Congress, helped refine the design. His wife, Nan Hayden, also sewed an early version of the flag. Rachael Berry, who made history as Arizona's first female state lawmaker, supported the flag as well.
Some early ideas included a rising sun, but people worried it looked too similar to the Japanese flag. Designers chose the copper star instead, creating the unique look we see today.
On February 27, 1917, the Arizona legislature officially adopted the banner as the state flag. Governor Thomas Campbell chose not to sign the bill, but it became official law anyway. Later that year, in September 1917, a special military version was made with the words "First Arizona Infantry" written on the blue field.
In 2001, flag experts in the North American Vexillological Association held a contest to rank state and provincial flags. They voted the Arizona flag the sixth best flag in all of North America. Its colors even inspired politicians in Europe during the 2024–2025 Belgian government formation. Leaders from parties like the New Flemish Alliance, the Reformist Movement, and Vooruit joined together under the nickname "Arizona coalition" to form the De Wever Government, because their group colors matched Arizona's flag.
See Also
In Spanish: Bandera de Arizona para niños
- Great Seal of the State of Arizona
- List of Arizona state symbols
- Flag of the Navajo Nation
