West Virginia State Flag

History of The West Virginia State Flag: West Virginia played an important role in the Civil War. Many different regiments fought for the Union after seceding from Virginia. From 1864 until 1904, there was no official West Virginia state flag. Instead, the variety of battle flags were flown to honor the many soldiers who fought. In 1905, the state needed an official flag. They could not choose between the various military flags, so they simply used a picture of the state flower. In 1907, West Virginia added a more unique image to their flag--but on the opposite side! From 1907-1929, the West Virginia state flag was two-sided. Finally, 1929, West Virginia officially adopted a one-sided flag that is the current official flag. Description of The West Virginia State Flag: The current West Virginia state flag features a white field bordered in dark blue. There is a red ribbon that reads "State of West Virginia" atop the state seal. On either side of the state seal are sprigs of rhododendron, the state flower. The state seal contains the Latin phrase, Montani Semper Liberi, which means "Mountaineers Are Always Free"; a large stone in the center of the seal to represent strength; a farmer with his ax to represent agriculture; a miner holding his pick to represent industry; and two rifles, crossed to indicate that freedom and liberty were won and will be maintained by the force of arms.