Montana Flag

The Montana state flag’s design also joins several other US states flags that have a dark blue background with a coat of arms or state seal in its center. The Montana flag has the Montana sate seal in its center and right above the seal in big golden yellow letters is the word “Montana”.

The flag of Montana was adopted in 1905 and was since its adoption changed twice. While many of US states have held contests to find an appropriate flag for their state, Montana had a different way. The state flag of Montana was designed and purchased in 1898 by Colonel Kessler who needed a flag for his 1st infantry and for his ships to represent his state. The infantry used the flag in the war in 1898 and displayed it proudly during that time. After the war, the infantry’s image had grown and their flag was very well known. When Colonel Kessler turned that flag over to the governor in Helena it went on display all over the state, even though it was not an official state flag. Since the state of Montana did not have an official state flag, in honor of the Infantry the flag was adopted by the state as Montana’s state flag. Now you know who designed the flag of Montana. So what does Montana’s flag stand for? Well, for one as just mentioned it stands for honoring Montana’s infantry and also to display Montana’s values represented by its state seal. The state seal displays beautiful scenery of Montana in front of the Great Falls of the Missouri River. In the foreground of the seal a plow, a shovel and a pick rest in a field an are representing Montana's agriculture and also the mining industry. The banner inside the ribbon holds the state motto in the Latin words “Oro y plata”, which means “Gold and Silver”. One meaning of the colors on Montana’s flag is the representation of a vibrant, vivid state with beautiful sceneries. The blue in the background of the flag honors the United States.

For educational purposes there are Montana flag coloring pages and templates on how to draw the Montana flag. Larger examples of Montana’s flag are also offered either from stores or actually as downloads in banner size. Recently the Montana flag has been seen several times on half-staff to honor the soldiers killed in war, especially in Iraq.