U.S. state · KY
Flag of Kentucky
The Kentucky flag is a navy blue field with the state seal in the center: a frontiersman and a statesman embracing, framed by the words COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY and two sprigs of goldenrod. The state adopted it in 1918.
What the Kentucky state flag looks like
The Kentucky state flag has a navy blue field with the state seal at its center. The seal is a circular image of two men facing each other in an embrace. One is a frontiersman in buckskin clothing, and the other is a statesman in a formal suit. Around the figures, the words COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY curve along the top of the circle, and the motto UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL runs along the bottom.
Beneath the seal, two sprigs of goldenrod, the state flower, form a partial wreath. The seal and goldenrod stand out against the navy blue field.
Kentucky flag meaning and symbolism
The embrace is the heart of the flag. It symbolizes the unity of frontiersmen and statesmen. Popular legend identifies the two figures as Daniel Boone and Henry Clay, but the official interpretation is that they represent all such figures collectively. The motto United we stand, divided we fall underlines the point that cooperation is what keeps a community together.
The goldenrod is the official state flower, and its sprigs on the flag link the banner to the land. The word Commonwealth is worth noting: Kentucky is one of four states, along with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, that officially call themselves commonwealths, a term that stresses government for the common good. The state's separate Latin motto, Deo gratiam habeamus, or "Let us be grateful to God," is not on the flag.
History of the Kentucky flag
Kentucky became the 15th state in 1792 and used its seal for official purposes long before it had a flag. The General Assembly adopted the flag on March 26, 1918. It was designed by Jesse Cox Burgess, an art teacher in Frankfort, although similar flags had been in use as early as 1880. The design places the state seal on a field of navy blue, with goldenrod below. In June 1962 the flag's size and the design of the seal were standardized.
To compare it with other states, browse our U.S. state flags page, or look at the Indiana flag across the Ohio River. For the national flag, see the United States page.
Kentucky flag colors
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0, 0, 0, 0Kentucky flag facts
| Adopted | March 26, 1918 |
|---|---|
| Proportions | 10:19 |
| Designer | Jesse Cox Burgess |
| Symbols | Seal of Kentucky |
| State capital | Frankfort |
| State motto | United we stand, divided we fall |
| Population | 4,505,836 |
Kentucky state flag FAQ
What does the Kentucky flag symbolize?
The two men embracing, a frontiersman and a statesman, stand for unity. The motto "United we stand, divided we fall" supports this, and the goldenrod represents the state flower.
What is on the Kentucky state flag?
The flag shows the state seal on navy blue, with the words Commonwealth of Kentucky above and the motto below. Two sprigs of goldenrod appear at the bottom.
What is the Kentucky state motto?
The official motto is "Deo gratiam habeamus," meaning "Let us be grateful to God." The flag instead carries the seal's motto, "United we stand, divided we fall."
When was the Kentucky flag adopted?
The General Assembly adopted the flag on March 26, 1918.
What is the only state flag that is two-sided?
Oregon has a different design on each side. Kentucky's flag shows its seal on the front, like most state flags.
What is special about Kentucky's state flag?
Its seal shows two men, a frontiersman and a statesman, embracing, which is an unusual image among state flags. Legend names them as Daniel Boone and Henry Clay, but the official reading is that they stand for all such figures. The words Commonwealth of Kentucky arch over them on navy blue.
What is the Kentucky state flower on the flag?
The state flower is goldenrod, and two sprigs of it appear in bloom below the seal on the flag. Kentucky law describes the seal as encircled by a wreath whose lower half is goldenrod in bloom, with the words Commonwealth of Kentucky forming the upper half.
What color is the Kentucky flag?
The Kentucky flag has a navy blue field. State law calls for navy blue silk, nylon, wool or cotton bunting. The seal and lettering sit on it, and the goldenrod at the bottom adds a touch of gold. The flag is 1.9 times as long as it is wide.
