The State Flag of Nebraska

The history and symbolism of the state flag of Nebraska is rather interesting. Nebraska has a long and rich history, but it was one of the last states to adopt a flag. Instead, for a long time Nebraska had a state banner that was chosen in 1925. Then, the banner was later adopted as the flag in 1963. The flag depicts the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska in gold on a dark blue field, and is a very simple design.

The State Seal

The state seal of Nebraska was adopted in 1876, the same year Nebraska became a state. Issac Wilkes, a member of the House of Representatives, designed the seal. There are a variety of symbols on the seal which represent the values and ideas in Nebraska at the time. There is a blacksmith at work on an anvil, sheathes of wheat, a steamboat on a river, a settler's cabin, a tree and the transcontinental railroad depicted in front of beautiful mountain. A banner which reads "Equality Before The Law," the state motto, flies above the scene. This is enclosed in a circle, with the words "Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st 1876" wrapped around it. This date is the day Nebraska was added to the Union. This seal, depicted in gold on a blue background was adopted as the state banner in 1925, and then later as the state flag in 1963.

Overall, the history and symbolism of the state flag of Nebraska is unique, and represents a blend of ideas and sentiments. These sentiments reflect the American ideals as well as the unique landscape of Nebraska. "Equality Before the Law" and the admission of Nebraska into the Union was obviously important at the time, and is still important to the state today.