Flag of Kentucky facts for kids
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| Name | The Bluegrass State |
|---|---|
| Use | Civil and state flag |
| Proportion | 10:19 |
| Adopted | March 26, 1918 (standardized 1963) |
| Design | Seal of Kentucky on a field of azure |
| Designed by | Jesse Cox Burgess |
The flag of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the official symbol of Kentucky, a state in the United States. It was chosen on March 26, 1918.
Contents
History
A Look Back at Kentucky's Flags
Kentucky has a rich history, and many flags have flown over its land! Long ago, a part of Kentucky was controlled by the French monarchy. This was true until the French and Indian War. After that war, the land became part of Great Britain. The Union Jack, which is the flag of Great Britain, then flew over Kentucky. This lasted until the American Revolutionary War.
Flags of the Revolution and Beyond
When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Kentucky was part of Virginia. So, it used the flag of Virginia. As the Revolutionary War continued, cities like Louisville and Lexington started using the "Betsy Ross flag". This flag had 13 stars and stripes. Soon, the rest of Kentucky followed. After the war ended, the Flag of Virginia was used again for a short time.
Kentucky Joins the Union
In 1792, Kentucky officially became a state in the United States. It then adopted the 15-star flag of the Union. This U.S. flag was used as the unofficial state flag for many years. During the American Civil War, both the flag of the Confederate States and the flag of the Union flew over Kentucky. Which flag was more common depended on where you were and how the war was going.
Designing the Kentucky Flag
The current Kentucky flag was designed by Jesse Cox Burgess. He was an art teacher in Frankfort, the state capital. The Kentucky General Assembly officially adopted the flag on March 26, 1918. They even included a drawing of it in their laws in 1928.
Design
What Does the Flag Look Like?
The flag of Kentucky is mostly navy blue. In the center, it has the Commonwealth's seal. Above the seal, you can read the words "Commonwealth of Kentucky." Below the seal, there are sprigs of goldenrod. Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky.
The Meaning of the Seal
The seal on the flag shows two men embracing. One man is dressed like a pioneer, wearing buckskin clothes. The other man is in a suit, like a statesman. Many people believe the pioneer is Daniel Boone. He was famous for exploring Kentucky. The statesman is often thought to be Henry Clay, a very important politician from Kentucky. However, the official meaning is that these men represent all frontiersmen and statesmen. They don't represent any specific people.
Around the two men, you'll see the state motto: "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." This motto comes from "The Liberty Song." That was a patriotic song from the American Revolution.
How Kentucky's Flag Ranks
In 2001, a group called the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) studied the designs of flags. They looked at 72 flags from Canada and the U.S. Kentucky's flag was ranked 66th in this survey.
Pledge
Pledging to the Kentucky Flag
In the year 2000, the General Assembly adopted a special pledge of allegiance to the flag of Kentucky. When you say this pledge, you are showing respect for the state and its symbols.
I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the Sovereign State for which it stands, one Commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, and grace from on High."
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Kentucky para niños
