flag of Arizona

On February 27, 1917, just five years after attaining statehood, Arizona adopted its state flag. Unlike many other state flags, which were based on military colours or other banners flown during the Civil War (1861–65), Arizona’s design was inspired by the state’s own natural setting. The rays above the dark blue stripe suggest a colourful Arizona sunset over a desert in shadow, and the central star represents the state as a rich copper-producing area. The star is supposed to be represented in metallic copper but usually is manufactured in an orange-tan shade. The red and yellow are colours from the Spanish flag, recalling early explorers of the area, while the shades of red and blue are the same as those in the Stars and Stripes, indicating American patriotism.

The flag was designed by Charles W. Harris, the adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard, and the first copy was sewn by Nancy Hayden, wife of Carl Hayden, who served Arizona in the U.S. Congress for 56 years. Before its adoption in 1917, the flag was carried by the Arizona National Guard rifle team during a trip to Ohio.