The State Flag of Kentucky
On March 26, 1918, the state flag of Kentucky was authorized. Constructed of navy blue silk, with the seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky encircled by a wreath of goldenrod, the state flag of Kentucky did not have a specified size. The symbolism of the flag is possibly based on the claim that Daniel Boone, an early explorer of Kentucky is the man in the buckskin and Henry Clay, Kentucky’s most famous statesman is the man in formal dress. The blue color of the flag has no specific meaning. It was one of three original color designs that were submitted for approval to the governor at the time.
State seal
The seal of the commonwealth of Kentucky is a circle with two men facing each other and clasping hands. One man is dressed in buckskin, while the other in formal attire. The two men are a literal depiction of the state motto, “United We Stand Divided We Fall.” Through the years the two men on the seal have gone through various changes such as, both sitting, both in formal dress and both sharing a full embrace.
State motto
The Kentucky State Motto, “United We Stand Divided We Fall,” comes from a very patriotic song, “The Liberty Song.” This song originated during the American Revolution. It was chosen as the state motto from one of three flag designs produced by Harold Collins and picked by Governor Bert T. Combs.
State flower
Solidago Canadensis var. scabra or commonly called goldenrod is the Kentucky state flower. Originally bluegrass, then trumpet vine were the official flowers. In 1921, the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs promoted goldenrod as the state flower since it grew all over the state, and was part of the original flag in 1918. The War Department preferred the trumpet vine because of its symbolism with the state militia but the people of Kentucky prevailed, and goldenrod became the official state flower on March 16, 1926.
Through the years, the official flag of Kentucky has undergone several changes. Today the flag is longer than any other state flag. In 1962, amendments regarding the flag were adopted along with detailed drawings of the flag to eliminate any future uncertainties associated with the design.