Flag of Oregon (US state)

The flag of the state of Oregon holds a unique place among all U.S. state flags for one distinguishing feature: it is the only state flag with a different design on its reverse side. This two-sided banner is a rich tapestry of symbolism, telling the story of Oregon's pioneer past, its economic foundations, and its natural identity. The flag is a powerful and historical emblem of the "Beaver State."

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The design of the Oregon state flag is a fascinating study in historical and natural symbolism, split across two sides.

• Front Side: The flag's obverse side features the state seal on a dark blue field. Surrounding the seal are the words "STATE OF OREGON" above and the year "1859" below, commemorating the year Oregon was admitted to the Union. The seal itself is highly detailed:

  • Shield: At the center, a shield contains a variety of symbols. A plow, a sheaf of wheat, and a pickaxe represent the state's early agricultural and mining industries.

  • Scene: Behind the shield, a scene depicts a setting sun over the Pacific Ocean, with a departing British man-of-war and an arriving American steamer. This symbolizes the end of British influence and the beginning of American settlement and commerce.

  • Wagon and Stars: An ox-drawn wagon represents the pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail, and a banner with the motto "THE UNION" reflects the state's stance just before the Civil War. A circle of 33 stars surrounds the shield, marking Oregon as the 33rd state to join the Union.

• Reverse Side: The flag’s reverse side features a simple yet powerful image: a gold beaver on the same dark blue field. The beaver is the official state animal and is a symbol of the state’s nickname, "The Beaver State," which reflects its early reliance on the fur trade and its reputation for industriousness.

• Dimensions: The official ratio of the flag is 3:5.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

Oregon's flag has a long history, with a significant gap between the adoption of its seal and the flag itself.

• The State Seal (1859): The state seal was originally designed in 1859 by Harvey Gordon, a member of the constitutional convention. It was created to represent the state's unique history and economic base at the time.

• Flag Adoption (1925): Although the seal was in use for decades, a formal state flag was not adopted until February 26, 1925. The state legislature passed a bill creating the two-sided flag, using the seal on the obverse and the beaver on the reverse.

• Modern Efforts for Redesign: The two-sided design, while historically significant, has been criticized for being expensive and complex to manufacture. In recent years, there have been several efforts to simplify the flag, with commissions established to propose new, single-sided designs. However, the 1925 design remains the official flag of the state today.

Historical Context and the State of Oregon

Oregon's flag is a powerful historical document in cloth. The inclusion of the phrase "The Union" on the seal reflects the contentious national climate of 1859, when the country was on the brink of the Civil War. Oregon’s strong pro-Union sentiment was a key part of its early political identity. The other symbols—the beaver, the pioneer wagon, and the images of commerce—collectively tell the story of a rugged, resourceful state built by pioneers who traveled vast distances to seek a new life.

Significance for Residents

For the people of Oregon, the flag is a beloved and distinctive symbol of their state's heritage. The seal represents their pride in being the 33rd state and their connection to the pioneers who endured the hardships of the Oregon Trail. The beaver, often seen as a quirky and unique symbol, represents the industrious and resilient spirit of Oregonians. The flag serves as a reminder of the state’s rich natural resources, its role in the nation's expansion, and its unique identity as a state on the Pacific frontier.

Interesting Facts

• The Oregon flag is the only state flag in the United States with a different design on each side. All other state flags are single-sided or have the same design on both sides.

• The flag's two-sided design is a major reason for its high manufacturing cost and is often cited in discussions about a potential redesign.

• The beaver on the reverse side is an homage to the state's nickname, "The Beaver State," and its early economy, which was heavily dependent on the fur trade.

• The motto "The Union" on the seal was a direct political statement in 1859, showing Oregon's allegiance to the federal government.

• The original state flag from 1925 was made of silk and hand-stitched, making it a true work of art. The design was later adapted for modern manufacturing.

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