Flag of North Dakota (US state)

The flag of the state of North Dakota is a distinctive emblem with a rich military history. Unlike many other state flags, its design is not a simple seal on a colored background, but a direct replica of a regimental banner. This unique origin story gives the flag a special significance, connecting the state to its courageous soldiers and its role in national defense. The flag is a powerful testament to the patriotism and service of North Dakotans throughout history.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The design of the North Dakota state flag is a banner version of the Great Seal of the United States, with a key modification.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag features a dark blue field. In the center, a bald eagle with outstretched wings is depicted. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon, symbolizing peace, and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its left, representing the original thirteen states and the nation's readiness to defend itself. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon with the national motto "E Pluribus Unum" ("Out of many, one"). Above the eagle, there is a semicircle of thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. Below the eagle is a scroll with the state name "NORTH DAKOTA". The eagle also has a shield on its chest with red and white stripes.

• Dimensions: The official flag is a replica of a military banner, so its dimensions are non-standard. The specified size is 33 inches by 43 inches, and the flag is designed to be fringed on three sides.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The history of the North Dakota flag is directly tied to a specific military unit and a period of national conflict.

• Original Banner (1906): The flag was originally a banner carried by the North Dakota National Guard infantry regiment during the Philippine-American War. The banner was created in 1906 and was based on a design similar to the US Great Seal, but with the specific purpose of representing the North Dakota military unit. The original banner was made of blue silk and featured the hand-embroidered elements of the eagle, stars, and motto.

• Official Adoption (1911): In 1911, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly passed a bill officially adopting this military banner as the state flag. The intention was to honor the soldiers who served under it.

• The 1943 Amendment: The original banner did not include the state name. Over time, this led to the banner being mistaken for a generic US flag or the flag of another organization. To address this confusion, the legislature amended the flag law in 1943 to include the state name "NORTH DAKOTA" on a scroll below the eagle. This change ensured the flag's unique identity while preserving its historical design.

Historical Context and the State of North Dakota

The flag of North Dakota is a powerful reminder of the state’s strong sense of American identity and its deep commitment to national service. The design, with its heavy reliance on the Great Seal of the United States, emphasizes North Dakota's role as an integral part of the nation. The flag’s origin in the Philippine-American War highlights a proud history of military service, a tradition that continues to this day with a strong presence of military personnel and veterans in the state.

Significance for Residents

For the people of North Dakota, the flag is a symbol of more than just statehood. It represents a proud legacy of service and patriotism. It reminds them of the sacrifices made by North Dakotans in defense of the nation and of the state’s core values of loyalty and strength. The flag's design is a constant reminder that North Dakota is not an isolated frontier but a vital part of the greater American union, contributing to both its peace and its defense. It is a symbol of their American identity as much as their state identity.

Interesting Facts

• The North Dakota flag's proportions are unusual for a modern flag, being taller than it is wide, a characteristic of a traditional military banner.

• The original banner from 1906, after which the flag was designed, has long since deteriorated and is no longer in a condition to be displayed.

• The inclusion of the state name "NORTH DAKOTA" on a scroll was not part of the original design but was added decades later for practical identification purposes.

• The number of stars (thirteen) represents the original thirteen colonies, a classic symbol of American patriotism.

• The design of the flag is one of the most complex among all US state flags, with intricate details that make it a challenge to reproduce, but also a beautiful work of art.

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