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List of flags of the United States facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
See also: Flags of the U.S. states and territories
US historical flags-United States of America
A painting showing many historical US flags.

This article is a list of flags used in the United States. It shows how the U.S. flag has changed over time. You'll also see flags used by different parts of the U.S. government, like special agencies. Even U.S. embassies and ships have their own unique flags!

Contents

National Flags of the United States

Main article: Flag of the United States

How the U.S. Flag Changed Over Time

Since 1818, a new star has been added to the U.S. flag every Fourth of July. This happens the year after a new state joins the country. If several states joined at once, the flag would get all those new stars.

Usually, adding stars was the only change to the flag since 1777. But in 1795 and 1818, the number of stripes changed too. In 1795, it went up to 15 stripes, then back to 13 in 1818. Before 1912, there were no strict rules for how the stars should be arranged. This means many old U.S. flags had different star patterns!

  • Grand Union Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1776–1777 (the "Grand Union Flag")

  • US flag 13 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1777–1795 (13 stars)

  • US flag 13 stars – Betsy Ross

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Betsy Ross circular 13-star version (1792)

  • Hopkinson Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag "Hopkinson" version (1777-1795)

  • Bennington Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Battle of Bennington version (1777)

  • Star-Spangled Banner flag

    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)

  • US flag 20 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1818–1819 (20 stars)

  • US flag 21 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1819–1820 (21 stars)

  • US flag 23 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1820–1822 (23 stars)

  • US flag 24 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1822–1836 (24 stars)

  • US flag 25 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1836–1837 (25 stars)

  • US flag 26 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1837–1845 (26 stars)

  • US flag 27 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1845–1846 (27 stars)

  • US flag 28 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1846–1847 (28 stars)

  • US flag 29 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1847–1848 (29 stars)

  • US flag 30 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1848–1851 (30 stars)

  • US flag 31 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1851–1858 (31 stars)

  • US flag 32 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1858–1859 (32 stars)

  • US flag 33 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1859–1861 (33 stars)

  • US flag 34 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1861–1863 (34 stars)

  • US flag 35 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1863–1865 (35 stars)

  • US flag 36 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1865–1867 (36 stars)

  • US flag 37 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1867–1877 (37 stars)

  • US flag 38 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1877–1890 (38 stars)

  • US flag 43 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1890–1891 (43 stars)

  • US flag 44 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1891–1896 (44 stars)

  • US flag 45 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1896–1908 (45 stars)

  • US flag 46 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1908–1912 (46 stars)

  • US flag 48 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1912–1959 (48 stars)

  • US flag 49 stars

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1959–1960 (49 stars)

  • Flag of the United States (Pantone)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1960–present (50 stars)

Other Old Versions of the U.S. Flag

Flags of the Executive Branch

The Executive Branch of the U.S. government includes the President, Vice President, and many departments and agencies that help run the country. Many of these offices have their own flags.

President's Office Flags

Vice President's Office Flags

  • US Vice President Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Vice President

  • Flag of the Vice President of the United States (fringed)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Color of the Vice President

Department of State Flags

The Department of State handles foreign policy and international relations.

Department of the Treasury Flags

The Department of the Treasury manages the government's money.

Department of Defense Flags

See also: Flags of the United States Armed Forces

The Department of Defense oversees the U.S. military.

  • USSecDefflag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Secretary of Defense

  • Flag of the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Secretary of Defense

  • Flag of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Defense

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense

  • Flag of the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Undersecretary of Defense

  • Flag of an U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Assistant Secretary of Defense

  • Flag of the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  • VJCSflag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  • Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman

  • Flag of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe

  • Flag of the Defense Commissary Agency

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Defense Commissary Agency

  • Flag of the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

  • Flag of the National Reconnaissance Office

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the National Reconnaissance Office

  • Centcomflag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Central Command

  • Flag of the United States Space Command

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Space Command

  • SOUTHCOMflag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Southern Command

Department of the Army Flags

  • Flag US Secretary of the Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Secretary of the Army

  • Flag of Assistant Secretary of War

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Under Secretary of the Army

  • Flag of the Assistant Secretary of the Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Assistant Secretary of the Army

United States Army Flags

  • Flag of the United States Army (official proportions)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Army

  • Field flag of the United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Field flag of the United States Army

  • Flag US Army Chief of Staff

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chief of Staff of the Army

  • Flag US Army Vice-Chief of Staff

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army

  • Flag of the Sergeant Major of the United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Sergeant Major of the Army

  • Flag of the Chief of the US Army Reserve

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chief of the United States Army Reserve

  • Flag of the Surgeon General of the United States Army with fringe

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Surgeon General of the Army

  • Jagflag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army

  • Chief of Engineers Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army

  • Flag US Army Chief of Chaplains

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army

  • Provost-marshal-general-flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Provost Marshal General

  • Army-inspector-general-flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Inspector General of the United States Army

  • Director of Army Staff and The Deputy and Assistant Chiefs of Staff, US Army Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-1 Personnel of The United States Army

  • AMEDD Regimental Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Medical Department Center and School

  • US Army Infantry School Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Infantry School

  • ADA SCHOOL FLAG

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School

  • US Army Adjutant General School Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Adjutant General School

  • Flag of the United States Army Chaplain School

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Chaplain School

  • Flag of the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Adjutant General's Corps

  • Flag of the United States Army Chaplain Corps

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Chaplain Corps

  • CASCOM-Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the United States Army Combined Arms Support Command

  • Flag of a United States Army general

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Army general

  • Flag of a United States Army major general

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Army Major general

  • Flag of a United States Army brigadier general

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Army Brigadier general

  • Flag of the First United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the First Army

  • Flag of the Second United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Second Army

  • Flag of United States Army Central

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of Army Central

  • Flag of the Fourth United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Fourth Army

  • Flag of United States Army North

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of Army North

  • Flag of the Sixth United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Sixth Army

  • Flag of the Seventh United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Seventh Army

  • Flag of the Eighth United States Army

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Eighth Army

  • Flag of the United States Army I Corps

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the I Corps

  • Flag of the United States Army XVIII Airborne Corps

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the XVIII Airborne Corps

  • Flag of the United States Army 1st Armored Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 1st Armored Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 2nd Armored Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 2nd Armored Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 3rd Armored Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 3rd Armored Division

  • Flag of the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 1st Cavalry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 1st Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 1st Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 2nd Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 2nd Infantry Division

  • Flag of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 3rd Infantry Division

  • Flag of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 10th Mountain Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 25th Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 25th Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 28th Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 28th Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 29th Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 29th Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 36th Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 36th Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 40th Infantry Division

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 40th Infantry Division

  • Flag of the United States Army 42nd Military Police Brigade

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 42nd Military Police Brigade

  • .

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion

  • 309th Military Intelligence Battalion color

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion

Department of the Navy Flags

  • US-SecretaryOfTheNavy-Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Secretary of the Navy

  • US-UnderSecretaryOfTheNavy-Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Under Secretary of the Navy

  • US-AssistantSecretaryOfTheNavy-Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an Assistant Secretary of the Navy

United States Navy Flags
    • Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Navy

    • US-ChiefOfNavalOperations-Flag.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Chief of Naval Operations

    • Flag of the United States Vice Chief of Naval Operations.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations

    • Flag of a United States Navy fleet admiral.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Navy Fleet admiral

    • Flag of a United States Navy admiral.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an unrestricted line (URL) Navy admiral

    • Flag of a United States Navy vice admiral.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an URL Navy Vice admiral

    • Flag of a United States Navy rear admiral.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of an URL Navy Rear admiral

    • USN - Flag - Chaplain Corps.jpg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of United States Navy Chaplain Corps

    • Flag of Military Sealift Command.png

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of Military Sealift Command

    • USNavyChurchPennant.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Church Pennant

    • USNavyJewishWorshipPennant.svg

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Jewish Worship Pennant

    United States Marine Corps Flags

    Department of the Air Force Flags

    • Flag of the Under Secretary of the Air Force

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Under Secretary of the Air Force

    • Flag of the General Counsel and Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force

      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 the Air Force

    • Flag of the United States Air Force Senior Executive Service

      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

    United States Air Force Flags
    United States Space Force Flags

    National Guard Bureau Flags

    Civil Air Patrol Flags

    The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a group that helps the U.S. Air Force. It's set up a bit like the Air Force, with similar ranks and organization.

    • Flag of the United States Civil Air Patrol

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Civil Air Patrol

    • Flag of the National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol (Major general)

    • Flag of the National Vice Commander of the Civil Air Patrol

      Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the National Vice Commander of the Civil Air Patrol (Brigadier general)

    Department of Justice Flags

    The Department of Justice enforces federal laws.

    Department of the Interior Flags

    The Department of the Interior manages federal lands and natural resources.

      Department of Agriculture Flags

      The Department of Agriculture works on farming, food, and rural development.

      Department of Commerce Flags

      The Department of Commerce helps American businesses and promotes economic growth.

      • Flag of the United States Secretary of Commerce

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Secretary of Commerce

      • Flag of the United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Secretary of Commerce

      • Flag of the United States Department of Commerce (rank III)

        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

      • Flag of the United States Department of Commerce (rank IIII)

        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 Flags

      • NOAA Administrator Flag

        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

      • NOAA Deputy Administrator Flag

        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

      • NOAA Associate Administrator Flag

        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

      NOAA Officer Corps Flags

      The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps is a uniformed service that works on ocean and weather research.

      • Flag of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps

      • NOAA Vice Admiral Flag

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a NOAA Officer Corps vice admiral

      • NOAA Rear Admiral (upper half) Flag

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a NOAA Officer Corps rear admiral

      • NOAA Rear Admiral (lower half) Flag

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of a NOAA Officer Corps rear admiral (lower half)

      Department of Labor Flags

      The Department of Labor helps workers and promotes good working conditions.

      Department of Health and Human Services Flags

      The Department of Health and Human Services works on public health and human services.

      Public Health Service Officer Corps Flags

      The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is a group of health professionals who serve the nation.

      Department of Housing and Urban Development Flags

      The Department of Housing and Urban Development works to improve housing and communities.

      Department of Transportation Flags

      The Department of Transportation manages the country's transportation systems.

      Department of Energy Flags

      The Department of Energy works on energy policy and nuclear safety.

      Department of Education Flags

      The Department of Education helps with education policies and programs.

      Department of Veterans Affairs Flags

      The Department of Veterans Affairs provides services to military veterans.

      • Flag of the United States Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

        Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

      • Flag of the United States Under Secretary 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

      • Flag of the Director of the United States National Cemetery System

        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

      • Flag of a United States Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs

        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 Flags

      The Department of Homeland Security works to protect the U.S. from threats.

      United States Coast Guard Flags

      Flags of the Legislative Branch

      The Legislative Branch of the U.S. government is made up of the Congress, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives.

      Congress Flags

      Other Federal Flags

      Many other U.S. government agencies and offices have their own flags. These flags often show the agency's official seal on a plain background.

      State and Territory Flags

      Main article: Flags of the U.S. states and territories
      United States with territory states and DC flags new2
      Map showing the flags of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the five inhabited U.S. territories.

      The flags of the 50 U.S. states, its territories, and the federal district of Washington, D.C., show many different influences and local histories. Most state flags have the state's official seal on a plain background, often blue. This design choice has sometimes been criticized by flag experts.

      The newest state flag is Mississippi's, adopted on January 11, 2021. The newest territory flag is for the Northern Mariana Islands, adopted on July 1, 1985.

      History of State Flags

      Many modern U.S. state flags were created around the 1890s. States wanted their own special symbols to display at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Most state flags were designed and officially adopted between 1893 and World War I.

      A 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association (a group that studies flags) found that New Mexico has the best-designed flag among all U.S. states, territories, and Canadian provinces. Georgia's state flag was rated the worst design at that time, but they adopted a new flag in 2003.

      Current State Flags

      The dates below show when each state officially adopted its current flag.

        Current Federal District Flag

        Current Inhabited Territory Flags

        County Flags

        Main article: commons:Flags of counties of the United States

        Counties are smaller areas within states, and some of them have their own flags too.

        City Flags

        Main article: commons:Flags of cities of the United States

        Many cities across the U.S. have their own flags to represent their unique history and identity.

        Maritime Flags

        These are flags used on ships and boats.

        Ensigns

        Main article: Ensign of the United States

        An ensign is a flag flown on a ship to show its nationality.

        National Ensign

        Since 1777, the U.S. national ensign has also been the same as the national flag. The current version is below. You can see older versions in the "How the U.S. Flag Changed Over Time" section above.

        State Ensigns

        Some states have their own flags for ships.

        Other Ensigns

        Jacks
        Main article: Jack of the United States

        A jack is a flag flown from a ship's bow (front).

        • US Naval Jack

          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)

        • Naval jack of the United States (2002–2019)

          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)

        • US Naval Jack 13 stripes

          Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Naval Jack (around 1776)

        Distinctive Marks

        Main article: Distinctive mark

        These are special flags or symbols used to identify certain ships or organizations.

        Commissioning Pennants

        Main article: Commissioning pennant

        A commissioning pennant is a long, narrow flag flown from a warship to show it is in active service.

        Native American Tribal Flags

        Further information: Flags of Native Americans in the United States on Wikimedia Commons

        Many Native American tribes in the U.S. have their own flags. These flags often feature symbols important to their culture and history.

        Associated State Flags

        These countries are independent, but the United States helps them with defense, security, and funding.

        Historical Flags

        These flags were used in the past but are no longer official.

        American Revolutionary War Flags

        These flags were used during the war when the U.S. gained its independence.

        Former Federal Flags

        These flags were once used by U.S. government offices or military branches.

          Other Historical State Flags

          These flags were used by states or regions in the past.

          Former Territories and Administered Areas Flags

          These flags were used in areas that were once U.S. territories or managed by the U.S.

          See also

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