The State Flag of Wyoming

Wyoming, known as the "Equality State," is the United States of America's 44th state. It attained statehood on July 10, 1890, but did not ratify an official state flag until 1917. The Wyoming state flag design is a white bison silhouette on a blue field bordered by red, with the state seal of Wyoming branded on the bison.

The history of the Wyoming state flag

One of the last states to ratify an official flag, Wyoming's chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held a competition in 1916 to design the new flag. Out of 37 applicants, the recipient of the $20 first prize was Verna Keays, a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago. The design was officially adopted by the state legislature on January 31, 1917.

Symbols that appear on the Wyoming state flag

The colors on the Wyoming state flag are meant to echo the colors of the flag of the United States of America. The red represents the Native Americans who were the first inhabitants of the state. The blue field represents Wyoming's sky and mountains, and also expresses fidelity and justice. The white of the bison is for purity, while the "branded" state seal is reminiscent of the practice of Wyoming's ranchers.

More about Wyoming's state seal

The seal of Wyoming includes a woman bearing a banner that proclaims, "Equal Rights". The two men featured on the seal represent cattle ranchers and miners, honoring the state's most successful industries. The eagle and shield show support for the entire United States; the dates 1869 and 1890 are the years that Wyoming organized as a territory and officially joined the Union as a state, respectively.

Wyoming, home of Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons, is a beautiful state with a proud history of equality. Wyoming's flag serves as a powerful tribute to the state's grand history and undying commitment to the ideals that make the United States of America great.