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Can You Identify These US State Flags?

By: Gavin Thagard

7 min

Can You Identify These US State Flags?

Image: Pace52 via Pixabay

About This Quiz

The United States started with 13 colonies, and eventually, it expanded to 50 states, including two states located off the U.S. mainland. These states encompass the identity of the United States as a whole, but they also have their own unique identities. These identities are shaped by the state's history, industries and environments. To honor their individual identities, each U.S. state adopted a flag to represent how these states view themselves.

From careers as shipbuilders to being participants in some of the most important wars in U.S. history, there is a multitude of reasons as to why state flags are designed the way they are. Some of the flags were designed in their current form early in the state's history, while others have received modifications in recent decades. No matter when they were completed and adopted, these flags serve as symbols of state pride and give residents a further tie to their state.

Whether they're on motorboats in the swamps of Florida or the resorts in the mountains of Montana, are you going to be able to identify every flag flown across the United States? When it comes to this quiz, the sky's the limit, so look up and see what kind of score you can get.

Colorado state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Can you identify this flag that can be seen atop any of the snowy mountains across the state?

Flag of Colorado

The colors on the flag of Colorado are meant to represent colors important to the state. The blue hints at the blue skies found in Colorado, the white signifies the snowy mountains, the red is for the dirt found in the state and the yellow represents the sunshine.

Flag of Kentucky

Flag of Connecticut

Flag of Idaho

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Flag of Montana

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Select this flag that hangs over the capital building in the state known as "Big Sky Country"?

Flag of Utah

Flag of Montana

The flag of Montana dates back to the Spanish-American War at the tail end of the 19th century, where it was used by troops from the state. The original flag was adopted in 1905, a few years after the war ended.

Flag of Alaska

Flag of New Hampshire

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Flag of New Mexico

Public Domain via WikiCommons

The number four, represented here by four groups of rays, was important to the Zia Indians who lived in the state where which flag displayed here resides?

Flag of New Mexico

The colors used in the flag of New Mexico are derived from the flags of old Spain. These colors tie New Mexico to its Spanish past, as the state was once part of Spanish territory that included Mexico before the Mexican War of Independence.

Flag of Nevada

Flag of Iowa

Flag of Minnesota

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Flag of Wasington

Public Domain via WikiCommons

The first president of the United States is on the front of which state flag displayed here?

Flag of Indiana

Flag of Washington

George Washington, featured on the flag of Washington, is the only U.S. president to have a state named after him. The state was carved out of the Washington Territory, ceded by the British in 1846 and admitted to the Union in 1889.

Flag of North Carolina

Flag of Louisiana

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Vermont state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

How well do you know this flag that displays the state's coat of arms across the center?

Flag of Idaho

Flag of Vermont

Vermont is a state with a historically low population, and dairy and agriculture are two important industries. To honor these industries, a cow and bundles of wheat are displayed in the coat of arms located on the state flag.

Flag of Mississippi

Flag of Kansas

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Oklahoma state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

The state's Native American history is represented on which flag shown here?

Flag of Delaware

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Oklahoma

The shield on the flag of Oklahoma is modeled after a traditional Osage Nation shield. Atop the shield are two signs of peace: the ceremonial pipe used by Native Americans to build community and the olive branch that signifies an extension of help in European society.

Flag of Pennsylvania

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Texas flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Residents of the state have a great deal of respect for which flag displayed here?

Flag of Pennsylvania

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Texas

Nicknamed the "Lone Star State," the flag of Texas includes a single star in its design. The state received this nickname because it was once an independent republic fighting for its independence from Mexico.

Flag of Missouri

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Flag of Nevada

Public Domain via WikiCommons

A passerby can read the state motto, "Battle Born," on which flag shown in this image?

Flag of Ohio

Flag of Nevada

Silver is important to the history of Nevada because it's a major reason settlers flocked to the state in the 19th century, even earning Nevada the nickname "The Silver State." To honor this history, the state included a silver star in the flag design.

Flag of Pennsylvania

Flag of Indiana

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Kansas State Flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Will the sunflower located atop this state flag help you identify it?

Flag of Tennessee

Flag of Arizona

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Kansas

During the 18th century, Kansas was a popular pioneer state as people flocked to towns like Dodge City and Abilene. The seal on the flag honors the state's pioneer life in a multitude of ways, including a series of carriages and horses that show how settlers traveled such great distances.

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Arizona state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Have you ever crossed into the state where this flag soars overhead?

Flag of Florida

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Arizona

The flag of Arizona was adopted by the state even though it didn't receive the governor's approval. Instead, the bill was passed by the 3rd legislature of Arizona in 1917 to make the flag official.

Flag of Utah

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New York state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

How familiar are you with this flag flown over the most populated city in the United States?

Flag of California

Flag of Texas

Flag of New York

Liberty and Justice are both prominent figures on New York's coat of arms, shown on the flag of New York. Liberty stands atop a British crown to signify the colonies overcoming British control, while Justice holds a balanced scale to represent fairness.

Flag of Georgia

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Flag of Alaska

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Evident by the stars, the night sky is important in the state where this flag's from. What's the flag?

Flag of Washington

Flag of Illinois

Flag of Alaska

The Big Dipper and the North Star are prominent features on the flag of Alaska. The Big Dipper, a symbol for a bear, signifies the strength of the state, while the North Star represented that Alaska would eventually become a state even before it was admitted to the Union.

Flag of Maine

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South Dakota flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

A state from the Midwest hangs which flag shown here?

Flag of Texas

Flag of Pennsylvania

Flag of South Dakota

"The Mount Rushmore State" is written across the flag of South Dakota because the state is home to the famed mountain. Located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota (on sacred Lakota land), Mount Rushmore is sculpted with the faces of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Flag of Wisconsin

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Flag of Louisiana

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Are you familiar with this flag that flies over the "Bayou State"?

Flag of Louisiana

The pelican is an important symbol for the people of Louisiana, which is why the bird's included on the state flag. In the flag design, the pelican feeds her young drops of blood, representing how the state's willing to make sacrifices for residents.

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of West Virginia

Flag of New Jersey

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Flag of Kentucky

Public Domain via WikiCommons

A pioneer meets a statesman on the front of this state flag. What's the flag?

Flag of Kentucky

One of the most important pioneers in the history of Kentucky was Daniel Boone, who is often believed to be the pioneer featured on the state flag. After the American Revolution, Boone was credited with encouraging the settlement of Kentucky, resulting in it becoming a state in 1792.

Flag of Florida

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Ohio

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Florida state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

This flag has stood against a hurricane or two in its time. What's the flag?

Flag of Mississippi

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of New California

Flag of Florida

Florida has an interesting history because the state was controlled by Spain, France and Great Britain at different times during the colonial period. It didn't become a U.S. territory until 1821, and the current state flag wasn't adopted until 1900.

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Norht Carolina flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Will the two dates on this flag tying the state to the American Revolution help you identify it?

Flag of Iowa

Flag of Arkansas

Flag of Nevada

Flag of North Carolina

The flag of North Dakota has received several changes since it was originally adopted in 1861. The first change came in 1885, when a new flag was adopted to represent the state, and slight modifications were made again in 1991. The flag hasn't changed since then, however.

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California Flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Can you identify this flag that's based on the flag flown during the Bear Flag Revolt?

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Georgia

Flag of California

A grizzly bear (once an important part of the ecosystem in the state) is featured on the flag of California. However, these bears were killed off at the beginning of the 20th century because they threatened the state's growing population.

Flag of Utah

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Flag of Michigan

Public Domain via WikiCommons

In "The Great Lake State," the wind whips which flown depicted in this image across the sky?

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Michigan

Michigan has gone through several state flags before settling on the current one in 1911. The original flag of Michigan included a picture of the first governor of Michigan, Stevens T. Mason, though the flag has been lost to time.

Flag of Nevada

Flag of Tennessee

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Flag of Tennessee

Public Domain via WikiCommons

You'll find the inner design of this flag on the helmet of the state's NFL team. Does that make you any more familiar with the flag?

Flag of West Virginia

Flag of Louisiana

Flag of Tennessee

Adopted in 1905, the flag of Tennessee was designed by LeRoy Reeves, who was a member of the Tennessee National Guard. The three stars he included on the flag signify how the state's divided into the middle, east and west.

Flag of Maine

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oregon map

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Do you recognize this flag that is the only flag to sport different designs on each side?

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of California

Flag of Michigan

Flag of Oregon

On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state to be admitted into the Union. The flag of Oregon honors the state's history by including 33 stars around the shield located on the front of the flag.

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Flag of Idaho

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Can you identify this flag where you'll see some of the state's most important natural resources presented?

Flag of Minnesota

Flag of Idaho

Moose and elk are some of the most celebrated animals in Idaho, which is why an elk's head is included on the flag of Idaho. These animals can be hunted across the state, but hunters must acquire tags because of their protected status.

Flag of Delaware

Flag of Maryland

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Flag of Wyoming - No Seal

CC BY-SA 4.0 via WikiCommons

Are you familiar with this flag that recognizes the Bison, the official state mammal where it's flown?

Flag of Wisconsin

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Washington

Flag of Wyoming

An artist named Verna Keys created the design for the flag of Wyoming after she entered a contest hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her design, adopted in 1917, was awarded a $20 cash prize.

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Flag of Connecticut

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Are you familiar with this flag where the state motto runs across the front?

Flag of Indiana

Flag of West Virginia

Flag of New York

Flag of Connecticut

The flag of Connecticut contains three purple and green grapevines, which reference a seal used by the Saybrook Colony in the 1600s. The three vines symbolize Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield, the oldest settlements in Connecticut.

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Flag of Mississippi

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Is this a flag you'd recognize if you pulled into the state rest stop?

Flag of Mississippi

Mississippi has its own state pledge, delivered to the flag of Mississippi. The pledge goes, "I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God."

Flag of Georgia

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Maryland

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Flag of Delaware

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Pick out the name of this flag that shows important resources from the state's agriculture in the design?

Flag of Georgia

Flag of Minnesota

Flag of North Carolina

Flag of Delaware

Delaware is known for its shipbuilding industry, which is why a ship is featured at the top of the state flag. One of the most important shipyards was the Vinyard Shipyard, located in Milford, though it's a museum today.

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Flag of New Hampshire

Public Domain via WikiCommons

First adopted in 1909, which state flag is this?

Flag of California

Flag of Ohio

Flag of Wisconsin

Flag of New Hampshire

One of the first warships authorized by the Continental Congress, the USS Raleigh can be seen on the flag of New Hampshire. The ship was launched in 1776 and was later captured by the British, who used it in the war until it was decommissioned in 1781.

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Wisconsin Flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

The "Badger State" raises which flag shown here over its state capital building?

Flag of Wisconsin

Adopted in 1863, the flag of Wisconsin was created because regiments from the state who fought in the Civil War wanted a banner to carry into the field. Since its original adoption, the flag has received several changes, with the most current look coming about in 1979.

Flag of Utah

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of Iowa

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Flag of Illinois

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Is this a flag you recognize from your time in the state?

Flag of Minnesota

Flag of Illinois

Two important dates in Illinois history are shown on the state flag. The earliest date, 1818, is when Illinois became a state, and the later date, 1868, is when the Great Seal of Illinois was designed with its current look.

Flag of Mississippi

Flag of New Hampshire

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Flag of West Virginia

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Select this flag that you'd see throughout the mountains that make up much of the state?

Flag of Wisconsin

Flag of Utah

Flag of West Virginia

The flag of West Virginia includes the year, 1863, that West Virginia was admitted into the Union. Part of Virginia prior to becoming a state, West Virginia split off from its parent state during the Civil War because residents in the western half of the state still supported the Union.

Flag of Maryland

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Rhode Island state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Do you recognize this flag that belongs to the 13th state to ratify the Constitution?

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Rhode Island

The anchor, a symbol for hope, has been an important symbol in the history of Rhode Island, dating back to the 17th century. The symbol is included on the flag along with the word "hope" to honor the state's past as a place of religious freedom.

Flag of Ohio

Flag of New Jersey

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South Carolina state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Have you ever seen this flag crossing the boarder into a state?

Flag of South Carolina

The state tree of South Carolina is the palmetto tree, which can be seen on the flag of South Carolina. This tree is important in the state's history because it was used at Fort Sullivan during the American Revolution to defend the fort against cannon fire from the British.

Flag of Florida

Flag of California

Flag of Louisiana

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Flag of Missouri

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Are you familiar with this flag that belongs to the "Show Me State"?

Flag of New Jersey

Flag of Louisiana

Flag of Missouri

The red, white and blue across the flag of Missouri provides important symbolism for the state. The red represents valor, the white means purity and the blue has three meanings: vigilance, justice and permanency.

Flag of Delaware

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Arkansas flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Do you recognize this state flag designed by the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Flag of Arkansas

Arkansas' history as a major diamond producer is honored on the state flag by the diamond in the center of the flag. Today, Arkansas has one of the only mines where the public can search for diamonds located at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Flag of Maine

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Utah

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Ohio State Flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

This state has the only flag with a shallowtail. What's the flag?

Flag of New Jersey

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Ohio

The shallowtail on the flag of Ohio is believed to be based on the flags carried by cavalry troops during the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Though Ohio had several unofficial flags, it did not officially adopt a flag until 1902.

Flag of Oklahoma

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Pennyslvania flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Name this state flag that's raised in one of the former British colonies?

Flag of New Hampshire

Flag of Pennsylvania

The coat of arms included on the flag of Pennsylvania was adopted in 1778, a few years before the American Revolution even ended. After several changes, the flag design was finally completed in 1907 to include the coat of arms, an eagle and two horses.

Flag of New Jersey

Flag of Georgia

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Flag of Indiana

Public Domain via WikiCommons

How familiar are you with this flag that hangs high over one of the Midwestern states?

Flag of Indiana

The flag of Indiana includes a unique pattern of stars to represent its place in the Union. The first 13 states to join the Union are represented by the outer stars, the five inner stars symbolize the next five states to join and the largest star signifies Indiana's place as the 19th state in the Union.

Flag of Maine

Flag of Iowa

Flag of Ohio

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Maryland state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Will the cross pattern in this design help you identify it?

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Ohio

Flag of New Jersey

Flag of Maryland

The two different coat of arms found on the flag of Maryland honor Cecil Calvert, who founded the colony of Maryland. His family is represented by the gold and black design, and his mother's family is represented by the red and white design.

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Flag of Massachusetts

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Is this a flag you've seen proudly flown outside the home of one of the state's residents?

Flag of South Dakota

Flag of Michigan

Flag of New Mexico

Flag of Massachusetts

Written in Latin across the ribbon on the flag of Massachusetts are the words "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem." These words translate into English as "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."

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Flag of Minnesota

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Can you identify this flag that was adopted in 1957?

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Texas

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of Minnesota

The flag of Minnesota includes a farmer plowing a field to hint at the state's agricultural industry. Two of Minnesota's most important crops are corn and soybeans, though it also grows hay, sugar beets, wheat and barley.

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Flag of Nebraska

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Does the picture of this state flag ring a bell if you look closely at the design?

Flag of Nebraska

The Missouri River, which partially runs through Nebraska, is featured on the state flag. Depending on the source, the Missouri River is often credited as the longest river in North America, though the Mississippi River also lays claim to the title.

Flag of Pennsylvania

Flag of Arkansas

Flag of West Virginia

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Flag of Maine

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Have you ever seen this flag that belongs to a state that came about due to the Missouri Compromise?

Flag of North Dakota

Flag of Maine

Maine does not include official colors when describing the design of its state flag other than the blue in the background, which should match the blue in the national flag. For that reason, there are multiple variations of the state flag flying in Maine.

Flag of Maryland

Flag of California

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Flag of Virginia

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Pick out this flag that gives a nod to the mythology of Ancient Rome?

Flag of Virginia

At the onset of the Civil War, the Southern states that seceded started to push their individual identity rather than a national identity. That's one of the reasons Virginia adopted its state flag in 1861, not long after it left the Union.

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of North Carolina

Flag of New Jersey

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Flag of Georgia

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Would you consider yourself enough of an expert on U.S. flags to name this one?

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Georgia

Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies, which is signified by the 13 stars located on the state flag. After the American Revolution, Georgia became the fourth state admitted to the Union, joining the United States in 1788.

Flag of Illinois

Flag of Missouri

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Flag of New Jersey

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Have you ever seen this flag flown throughout a state?

Flag of New Jersey

Two of the colors on the flag of New Jersey, buff and dark blue, date back to the American Revolution. During the war, George Washington ordered troops from New Jersey to wear coats made in these colors, which led to the creation of the first state flag in 1780.

Flag of Illinois

Flag of Alabama

Flag of Tennessee

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Hawaii state flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Do you recognize this flag that gives homage to the state's former relationship with Great Britain?

Flag of South Carolina

Flag of Hawaii

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is made up of eight islands: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. These islands are all recognized on the state flag by the eight red, white and blue stripes that run across it.

Flag of Virginia

Flag of Georgia

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Flag of Utah

Public Domain via WikiCommons

What's this flag that received a new design in 2011?

Flag of Rhode Island

Flag of South Dakota

Flag of New Jersey

Flag of Utah

The national bird, the bald eagle, is shown atop the state seal on the flag of Utah. This design was used to show how the United States serves as a protector during times of both war and peace.

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Flag of North Dakota

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Are you familiar with this flag that honors the history of the United States?

Flag of Wisconsin

Flag of New Hampshire

Flag of North Dakota

The design for the state flag of North Dakota comes from a banner carried by troops from North Dakota during the Philippine-American War between 1899 and 1902. Even though the flag was adopted in 1911, final changes were made in 1943 to give the flag the look it has today.

Flag of Georgia

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Flag of Iowa

Public Domain via WikiCommons

Does the design on this flag give you enough information to select the correct answer?

Flag of Iowa

One of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dixie Cornell Gebhardt, designed the flag of Iowa in 1917. However, it took four years for the state to officially adopt the flag, as officials from Iowa thought the national flag was sufficient until that point.

Flag of Maryland

Flag of Missouri

Flag of Rhode Island

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Alabama State flag

Public Domain via WikiCommons

This crimson cross flies across the sky as the flag of which state?

Flag of Ohio

Flag of Texas

Flag of Alabama

The cross featured on the flag of Alabama is designed to represent the St. Andrew's Cross. The name of the cross comes from the apostle Andrew, who was believed to have been crucified on an x-shaped cross.

Flag of Oregon

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