Coloradans most likely know that their state’s name is Spanish for ‘red-colored’, referring to its red-hued earth.
Colorado’s is another state flag that was adopted in 1911, and it was heavily inspired by its scenic nature. The blue represents the state’ open blue skies and the white stripe symbolizes its snowcapped Rockie mountains.
The letter “C” in the center of the flag is the same red used in the U.S. flag but also represents Colorado’s rich red earth, and the golden disk inside the “C” celebrates the state’s abundant sunshine.
Arkansas
Did you know that you'd be breaking state law if you mispronounce the word “Arkansas” while in the state? Arkansas was named by French settlers, so, like many French words, the “s” at the end of “Arkansas” is silent. Make sure you practice before visiting!
Esthetically speaking, unlike the Arizona state flag, not many people are fond of Arkansas' flag. To its defense, it may appear to be simple, but in fact, it is rich in symbolism. According to the Arkansas Secretary of State, the large diamond represented its status as "the only diamond-bearing state in the Union" at the time it was designed (before diamonds were found in Montana and Colorado).
The 25 stars bordering the diamond reminds us that Arkansas was the 25th state admitted to the Union, while the three blue stars below the state's name in the center of the flag have a double meaning. Arkansas has been part of three countries: Spain, France, and the United State, and it was also the third state to come out of the Louisiana Purchase. Three seems to be a pretty significant number in the state's history.
The top lone star, added in 1923, represents the Confederacy, and you may also notice how the border around the white diamond evokes the iconic saltire on the Confederate battle flag.
California
If you can't bear a crowd (no pun intended), then stay away from California, or at least from its big cities. With 39.56 million residents, it is the USA's most populous state, and three out of the ten largest cities in the country are located in California: Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose
Officially adopted in 1911, the flag of California made its debut way before then in 1846, as an act of rebellion against Mexico, its governer at the time. The California grizzly bear, once ubiquitous to state, symbolizes strength but was also intended to intimidate Mexican authorities. The red star is said to be an ode to the “lone star of Texas.”
If the image of a bear doesn't exactly bring a picture of California to mind, it's because they're no longer there. California was formerly known as the Grizzly Bear State; however; the once iconic California grizzly bear is now extinct. So, California later became known as “the Golden State.”
Today, some Californians have expressed their desire for a new state flag. Not only is the bear image misleading but some feel that it's strongly associated with a period that no longer reflects the state's spirit.
What do you think? Can you think of any U.S. flags that are due for a makeover?
Connecticut
Did you know that Connecticut is officially known as "the Constitution State"? It refers to the state government's establishment of the Fundamental Orders in 1639, which is considered the first written constitution in North America.
The Connecticut state flag had already been widely accepted as the state's official flag for decades but was officially adopted in 1895. This blue flag includes a white shield with three grapevines on it that stand for religion, liberty, and knowledge, as well as the three original colonies— Saybrook, New Haven, and Connecticut (Hartford)—that merged together to become one state.
The Latin banner below the shield was inspired by the official seal bought from England by Colonel George Fenwick’s who oversaw Saybrook. It displayed the quote (and state motto)- “Qui Transtulit Sustinet," which translates from Latin to “He Who Transplanted Still Sustains."
Delaware
Delawareans may even be oblivious to this fact but did you know that reggae pioneer, Bob Marley, once called Delaware home! He lived in the state during the years 1965-1977, and his son, Stephen Marley, was born in Wilmington.
Although the state's flag colors may give off a tropical vibe, it has nothing to do with the Marley's, its history goes back much further. Adopted on September 4, 1787, the colors on the Delaware state flag- buff, and colonial blue- represent those of a uniform worn by (then) General George Washington who later would become the first American president.
Delaware is nicknamed the "First State" because it was the first state to ratify the federal Constitution, on December 7, 1787, making it the first state admitted to the union. So naturally, they proudly display the monumental date on their flag.