| What is the design of the Oregon state flag? |
| | The obverse (front) design is a field of blue containing a gold image of the Seal of Oregon. The reverse side features a picture of a beaver. |
| | Oregon has the only state flag with a different design on each side |
| What are the colors and what do the colors mean, or symbolize, in heraldry? |
| | The color blue symbolizes vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice |
| | The color gold is a symbol of the sun, generosity and wealth |
| What does the beaver symbolize? |
| | The Beaver is the official state animal of Oregon. The beaver was extremely important to the economy of the pioneering days of Oregon when the beaver was at the heart of the fur trade in the Northwest. The beaver symbolizes determination and strong-will |
| | Beaver fur was the raw material for a high quality felt that was used for hat making. Million of hats were made from beaver skins and were the first great American trade commodity. |
| | | |
| | Continental Beaver Hat | D'Orsay Beaver Hat |
| What does the date symbolize on the Oregon flag? |
| | The date 1859 represents the date that Oregon entered the Union |
| What do the stars symbolize? |
| | The heart-shaped shield is surrounded by 33 stars indicating that Oregon is the 33rd state to join the Union |
| | According to the ancient laws of heraldry a star symbolizes honor, achievement and hope. |
| What do the images on the seal symbolize on the Oregon flag? |
| | The pictures depicted on the seal are protected by the eagle at the top and show the mountains and forests of the state, an elk, a covered wagon, the Pacific Ocean with the setting sun, a British man-of-war ship and an American merchant ship |
| | The British man-of-war symbolizes the departure of British influence in the region and an arriving American merchant ship symbolizing the rise of American power. |
| | The Conestoga covered wagon represents the early pioneers and settlers |
| | The sheaf, a plow, and a pickaxe represent the early industries of mining and agriculture that were important to the early economy of the state |
| What is the shape and flag ratio? The 'Hoist' is the width and the 'Fly' is the length. |
| | The ratio of the Oregon flag is 3:5 meaning it is 3 units tall for every 5 units wide. |
| Who designed the Oregon State Flag? |
| | The name of the designers of the seal which features so strongly on the flag were Benjamin F. Burch, LaFayette Grover and James K. Kelly |
| What is the history of the Oregon State Flag? |
| | 1843-1848: The provisional government (1843-1848) used a simple seal with three bundles of wheat and a salmon under the banner "Oregon.” |
| | 1859: The design of the seal changed to include the elements of the current seal |
| | The flag was designed in response to a postmaster’s request for an official flag to send to Washington, D.C., to be displayed with the other state flags. |
| When was the Oregon State Flag officially adopted by the state's legislature? (Most US flags were designed in 19th & 20th centuries) |
| | It was officially adopted April 15, 1925 |
| The Oregon flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state. |