Illustrations / Flags and Seals / Arizona Flags and Seals / Arizona Flag
About the State Flag of Arizona
The state flag of Arizona “represents the copper star of Arizona rising from a blue field in the face of a setting sun” (quote from legislation). All State Flags
In 1911 a rifle team from the Arizona Territory was scheduled for a competition match in Ohio and needed a flag to represent their team. Charles Harris (the Adjutant General of the territory) quickly designed what was to become the Arizona state flag (Arizona was admitted to the Union in 1912 – this flag became the official flag of Arizona in 1917).
The 13 gold and red “beams” or “rays” on Arizona’s flag represent the sun setting over the western desert and the original 13 colonies (red and gold colors were also carried by Coronado’s Spanish expedition in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1540).
The center star signifies copper production (Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the country). The field of blue is the same “liberty blue” as the United States flag. Blue and “old gold” are also Arizona’s official state colors.
More details on: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records