The State Flag of Utah

The state flag of Utah contains the image of the state seal in the center of a blue background. A gold ring encircles the seal, and each part of the seal serves as a symbol for the state.

Symbolism of the flag

The eagle, the nation's national bird, represents the protection of the United States. The eagle has six arrows in its talons, which represent six Indian tribes. The sego lily is Utah's state flower and symbolizes peace. The beehive and the word "industry" represent the work of the community. The two dates on the flag, 1847 and 1896, represent the year the Mormon pioneers were led into the state, and the year Utah was admitted to the Union, respectively.

History of the flag

Utah's state flag was adopted in 1913. The Seal of Utah was designed by Harry Edwards and adopted on April 3, 1896. The first flag was created in 1903 for use at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. In 1912, the Sons and Daughters of Utah Pioneers wanted to present the flag to the USS Utah. The flag they received had a shield in color with a gold ring around it. These changes were added to the official flag in 1913. In 2011, a mistake on the flag was corrected. The year 1847 was stitched above the year 1986 instead of on the shield. This mistake remained in effect for 89 years, until it was corrected in 2011. Also in 2011, March 9 was designated Utah State Flag day.

Today, the state flag of Utah is flown all over state buildings, just below the flag of the United States of America. The flag remains a symbol of Utah's sovereignty and support to the nation.