The Flag of Nebraska: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

When Nebraska finally got its own flag on March 28, 1925, it was the 48th and final state to do so among the contiguous 48. Nebraska’s state flag is a blue rectangle with a white design that looks like a modified version of the state seal. In 1925, the legislature of Nebraska authorized the creation of the present flag, which has the state seal in silver and gold on a background of blue. In this article, we will further explore the flag of Nebraska, including its history, meaning, and symbolism.

Flag of Nebraska History

1800s

The seal on the flag of Nebraska was created in 1867. Before 1925, the seal was sometimes displayed on a yellow background on unsanctioned state flags.

1925 – 1963

There have been multiple failed attempts to replace the seal on the flag. Bertram Goodhue, who helped build the Nebraska state capitol, made an effort. However, in 1925, the legislature disapproved of Goodhue’s redesign. Instead, the previously established state seal on a field of blue was reaffirmed as the flag. The first public showing of the official version was at a New Year’s Day party in the Nebraska State Capitol in 1926. The design was officially designated as the state flag, as opposed to a banner, in 1963. This made Nebraska one of the final states to adopt a formal flag.

2002 – Present

Out of 72 flags representing the United States and Canada, the North American Vexillological Association selected the flag of Nebraska as the second worst. Georgia, the lowest-rated flag at the time, now flies a newly designed flag. A bill to create a commission to give policy recommendations to the Nebraska Legislature was reviewed by the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee in 2002. However, a new design was never adopted.

The fact that the flag flew upside down for 10 days in the state capitol without anybody noticing prompted State Senator Burke Harr to propose a task team in 2017 to revamp the flag. Harr had hoped that the remodeling would be completed by the 150th birthday of the State. However, the State Senate did not vote to take any action.

Flag of Nebraska Design and Colors

Nebraska’s flag has a proportion of 3:5. Its colors are gold (yellow), silver (grey), and blue. Mrs. B.C. Miller, author of “The Flag Song of Nebraska,” was among the many who advocated for the current flag design, which is the state seal on a field of blue. The state seal on the flag was designed by Isaac Wiles and adopted in 1867 when Nebraska was admitted to the Union as the 37th state. It serves as the focal point of the overall layout. Nebraska restricts the usage of the state seal to just gold, silver, and blue, as opposed to the realistic coloring employed by several other states when applied to flags or for applications such as license plates or correspondence.

Nebraska’s official seal features a riverboat on the Missouri River. It also shows a blacksmith at work with his hammer, an anvil, a pioneer hut with wheat sheaves and young grain, and a train moving westward into the Rocky Mountains. The phrase “Equality before the law” was included on the seal. It was widely understood at the time to refer to the end of slavery and the freedom to own land at the time of settlement.

Flag of Nebraska Symbolism

Growing Prosperity

The Nebraska State Flag is an appropriate and ideal representation of Nebraska and its promising future.

The Great Seal of Nebraska

In 1867, legislation was passed to create the first official seal. The Great Seal of Nebraska is an iconic representation of the state used to verify legal papers. According to the state constitution, the secretary of state is responsible for maintaining the seal. They must make sure it is used in accordance with statutory requirements.

Under Nebraska law, the Great Seal of Nebraska is protected. Since the state seal is featured prominently on the Nebraska flag, any restrictions on its use also apply to the flag. All requests for the use of the Nebraska state seal must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of State.

Up Next:

• The Flag of the United States of America: History, Meaning, and Symbolism
• The Flag of Vermont: History, Meaning, and Symbolism
• The Flag of Ohio: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

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