The State Flag of Washington

The flag for the state of Washington is among the most unique of the 50 state flags. Because the state is named after the first president of the United States, George Washington, it comes as no surprise that the state flag honors this man as well. Continue reading to find out what this flag looks like and why it is so unusual.

History

The state of Washington was admitted to the United States in 1889, but it was not until 1923 that an official flag was adopted. In the early 1900s, some of the towns and cities in the state informally adopted a flag that featured a gold profile of George Washington on a blue background. Others used an image of the state seal on a purple or green background. On May 5, 1923, the state legislature agreed on a state flag design. There was never any doubt that the state named for the first president would have a flag that honored him.

Appearance

The flag that was agreed upon has a green background with a reproduction of the state seal of Washington in the middle. The seal depicts the bust of George Washington on a blue background rimmed with gold. The words "The Seal of the State of Washington 1889" appear on the gold rim. The flag may or may not bear a gold or yellow fringe that matches the color of the seal's rim.

Washington, the Evergreen State, has the only state flag that has a green background and that bears the image of a person. While Washingtonians took their time in adopting a state flag, it is felt that they chose a fitting one.