Brief History of the Nebraska State Flag

Have you ever stopped to wonder why the Nebraska state flag looks the way it does? If you have, you’re not alone. The flag’s design is actually quite unique, and it has an interesting history to boot. Here’s a brief overview of how the Nebraska state flag came to be.

The Concept of a State Flag is Relatively New
While most people take state flags for granted these days, the concept of having a flag that represents an entire state is actually quite new. Prior to the Civil War, each state had its own flag, but there was no such thing as an official “state flag.” That all changed in 1862 when Charles ReidPath, a Colonel in the Union Army, proposed that each state in the Union have its own official flag.

The First Nebraska State Flag Wasn’t Especially Impressive
The first Nebraska state flag was unveiled in 1925. It consisted of a simple silk banner with the state seal on one side and the word “Nebraska” on the other. This original design wasn’t especially popular, and it was soon replaced by a more modern design.

The Current Design Was Adopted in 1963
The current design of the Nebraska state flag was adopted in 1963. It consists of a blue field with the state seal in the center. Above the seal are two gold stars, which represent Nebraska’s status as the 37th and 38th states admitted to the Union. The words “E Pluribus Unum” are also included on the flag, which is Latin for “Out of Many, One.”

Today, the Nebraska state flag is flown with pride by residents and visitors alike. Its simple yet elegant design is uniquely representative of both Nebraska’s history and its spirit. Thanks to Colonel Reid path’s vision all those years ago, every state in America now has its own official flag—including Nebraska.