Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to join the Union, and it took the state over 100 years to formally adopt a state flag (in 1897). Although the flag’s main feature, the golden anchor, became the official seal in the mid-1600s. On a white field is the gold anchor, encircled by 13 gold stars representing the 13 original colonies. Beneath the anchor is the state motto “Hope” in gold letters on a blue ribbon. The stars and anchor are outlined in the same hue of blue. The colors were carried over from flags flown by Rhode Island regiments during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War.
In case you were wondering about the anchor, well it seems to have a double meaning: Rhode Island is an important maritime port, but the use of the word “HOPE” together with the anchor may also suggest a biblical reference containing this phrase: “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.”
Oregon
Adopted in 1925, Oregon has the only U.S. state flag with a different design on each side. While both sides are navy blue with a gold design, one side shows the state seal, while the reverse side features a beaver, the state animal, and a symbol of Orgon's long history of beaver trapping and trading The top front of the flag proudly displays the words “State of Oregon.” Below it lay the heart-shaped shield surrounded by 33 stars. The stars and date (below it) denote Oregon as the 33rd state to join the Union in 1859.
At the crest of the shield is the American bald eagle, and below it, the state shield picturing a rising sun, mountains, forests, and a wagon at its forefront. In the background there two ships sailing the Pacific Ocean- a British ship departing and an American trade vessel arriving- symbolizing commerce and the emergence of the United States as a new power. In addition, there's a sheath, a plow and a pickax appear beneath a banner with the words “The Union.”
Pennsylvania
In 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to join the Union, and it authorized its first State Flag in 1799- the State Coat of Arms on a deep "Old Glory" blue field. On it, are two black horses supporting the shield, and on top of it a bald American eagle, representing the states' absolute loyalty to the Union. The shield itself pictures a ship (represents commerce), a plow (rich natural resources), and three sheaves of wheat (agricultural fertility).
Below the shield is a corn stalk crossed with an olive branch, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Below them, a red ribbon reads the state motto “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”
South Carolina
The state flag of South Carolina is one of the most readily identifiable, thanks to its strong symbols. According to the South Carolina Legislature “The Palmetto at the center symbolizes the heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island against the British fleet on June 28, 1776.” It is said that the softwood of the palmetto helped keep the soldiers safe as they were able to absorb the force of the cannonballs launched by British ships.
To the upper left of the flag is a crescent-moon-shape, a reference to the shape of the silver emblem worn on the front of the caps of the Revolutionary war soldiers. In addition, the flag's dark blue field signifies the color of the uniforms worn by South Carolina’s soldiers during the War.
South Dakota
You’ll want to observe the South Dakota state flag closely to really catch note the detail in the seal that lay in the center a gorgeous sky blue field. The dark blue and white drawing shows a picturesque scene of a steamboat on a river with a farmer plowing a field with cattle, corn and a smelting furnace and mountains in the distance. Above the scene on a ribbon that reads “Under God the People Rule,” the state motto.
In addition, the sentence “South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State” is arched around the sun—symbolizing the state’s pride in being the home of Mount Rushmore. Originally South Dakota was nicknamed "the sunshine state", thus the sun rays, before they gave the name to Florida, and replaced it with "the Mount Rushmore state" in 1992.