Flag of Missouri (US state)

The flag of the state of Missouri is a visually distinctive and deeply symbolic banner that proudly represents the state's history, its values, and its place in the American Union. Unlike many other state flags, its design integrates the state's complex coat of arms into a unique tri-color field of red, white, and blue, encircled by a ring of stars. This thoughtful arrangement tells the story of Missouri's journey to statehood and its commitment to the principles of justice, strength, and the welfare of its citizens.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The Missouri state flag features the state’s coat of arms at its center, surrounded by a ring of stars, all set against a tri-color background.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag's field is divided into three horizontal stripes: a red stripe on top, a white stripe in the middle, and a blue stripe on the bottom. These colors echo the American flag, signifying Missouri's integral role within the United States. They are also said to represent, respectively, valor, purity, and justice.

• The Ring of Stars: Encircling the central coat of arms is a thin blue band containing 24 white stars. These stars hold a crucial historical significance, as they represent Missouri's admission into the Union as the 24th state in 1821.

• The Coat of Arms: This detailed emblem is a masterpiece of symbolism:

  • Central Shield: The shield is divided into two sections. On the right, the Great Seal of the United States is depicted, with its bald eagle and the motto "E Pluribus Unum." On the left, symbols of Missouri’s statehood are shown: a grizzly bear for strength and courage, and a crescent moon that symbolizes the "second son" status of a new state carved from the Louisiana Purchase.

  • Motto: A ribbon beneath the shield bears the state's profound motto: "SALUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX ESTO," a Latin phrase meaning "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law."

  • Bears and Helmet: Two strong grizzly bears support the shield, representing the courage of the state's people. Above the shield, a helmet symbolizes Missouri's sovereignty, topped by a star surrounded by clouds, marking its transition to statehood.

• Dimensions: The official dimensions of the flag are a ratio of 7:12.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The Missouri flag has a well-documented and celebrated history, distinguished by its dedicated designer.

• Designed by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver: The flag was designed in 1908 by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver, a member of a committee tasked with creating an official state flag. Her design was the result of extensive research and a deep understanding of the state's history.

• Official Adoption (1913): After years of debate and revisions, Oliver’s final design was officially adopted by the Missouri General Assembly on March 22, 1913. The flag was commissioned for a price of $350.

• A Distinctive Design: The flag's design stands out from many other state flags because it does not simply place the state seal on a blue background. The use of the tri-color field and the ring of stars gives it a unique and heraldic quality.

Historical Context and the State of Missouri

The Missouri flag is a powerful historical document. The red, white, and blue colors and the motto "E Pluribus Unum" affirm its ties to the United States. The 24 stars signify its place in the order of statehood, a crucial historical fact for residents. The crescent moon points to the state's origins as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Above all, the motto "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto" encapsulates the philosophical foundation of Missouri’s governance, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of its citizens that has been central to its identity since its founding.

Significance for Residents

For residents of Missouri, the flag is a potent symbol of their state’s enduring character. The bears represent the strength and resilience of its people, while the ring of stars serves as a proud reminder of its place in the nation’s history. The flag's unique design and its motto are a source of pride, representing a state that values its heritage, upholds the law, and places the welfare of its people above all else. It is a symbol that resonates with a strong sense of community and a shared history.

Interesting Facts

• The flag was designed by a woman, Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver, a detail that the state has celebrated and is a source of pride for its citizens.

• The motto "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto" is an ancient Roman maxim attributed to the philosopher Cicero, highlighting the state's deep respect for civic law and order.

• The two grizzly bears on the seal are a nod to the state’s wild past and represent its strength and courage, though grizzly bears are not native to Missouri's modern landscape.

• The flag is one of the most highly regarded among flag enthusiasts (vexillologists) for its distinctive and recognizable design, which successfully incorporates the seal without sacrificing visual clarity.

• The crescent moon on the shield is a specific reference to the state's origins, symbolizing a new state rising from the larger Louisiana territory.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.