Introduction
The flag of North Dakota is a dark blue field featuring a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and a sheaf of arrows in its talons. The eagle's beak grasps a red scroll inscribed with the state motto, and it carries a shield with thirteen stripes on its breast. Above the eagle, a semicircle of thirteen five-pointed stars and a sunburst complete the central emblem.
This design is a direct adaptation of the regimental colors carried by the state's infantry unit during the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine-American War (1899-1903). The flag's layout, with a central device on a solid field, is a classic pattern for many U.S. state flags, though its specific military heritage is a distinctive feature.
The flag's official proportions are 26:33, a unique dimension among U.S. state flags. Its colors and symbols are rich with meaning, directly tying the state's identity to national service and foundational American ideals.
Meaning & Symbolism
The central bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and symbolizes freedom, strength, and authority. In its talons, the olive branch represents peace, while the sheaf of arrows signifies the readiness to defend the nation. This imagery is a direct reference to the Great Seal of the United States.
The shield on the eagle's breast, displaying thirstripes, represents the original thirteen colonies and the nation's founding. The red scroll bears the state motto, "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One). The thirteen stars in a semicircle above the eagle further reinforce the theme of the original states, while the sunburst suggests a new beginning and limitless potential.
History of the North Dakota Flag
The flag was officially adopted by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly on March 3, 1911. Its design was specified to be identical to the flag carried by the 1st North Dakota Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War. This military connection provides a clear and documented origin for the state's banner.
There is no single credited designer; the flag's creation is attributed to the regimental unit itself, which adopted a version of the U.S. Army's infantry color pattern. The flag's design has remained unchanged since its adoption over a century ago, making it one of the more historically stable state flags in the U.S.
Curiosities
- North Dakota's flag has one of the most unique official proportions among U.S. state flags at 26:33 (often manufactured as a simpler 3:5 or 2:3).
- It is one of the few U.S. state flags that features the national motto "E Pluribus Unum" instead of, or in addition to, a state-specific motto.
- In a 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), the flag was ranked 56th in design quality out of 72 North American U.S. state, Canadian provincial, and U.S. territorial flags.
Download Flag
Download the flag of North Dakota in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag's official hoist-to-fly proportion is 26:33. The central emblem, including the eagle and stars, is centered on the dark blue field. While specific legislation does not provide detailed measurements for the device, standard practice dictates it should be approximately one-third the hoist in height. The thirteen stars are arranged with their points outward in a semicircle above the eagle's head.
Flags Similar to North Dakota Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused from a distance with other U.S. state flags that feature a central seal on a dark blue field, such as Minnesota or Connecticut.