Flag of Utah

The Flag of the State of Utah was adopted in 1913 and consists of the Utah State Seal encircled in a golden circle on a background of dark navy blue.

A bald eagle, the national bird of the United States represents the protection of America. The arrows in the talons of the eagle represent courage in war. The sego lily, the Utah state flower, represents peace. The state motto "industry" represents progress, hard work, and community as does the emblem of the beehive, which is also a traditional Mormon symbol. Crossed Union flags show Utah's support and committment to the United States. The name, Utah, appears underneath the beehive. The date 1847 represents the year Brigham Young led the first Mormons into the state. 1896 represents the year that Utah was admitted to the Union. The gold circle around the state seal represents eternal order. The shield underneath the bald eagle represents common defense.

The design of the seal was adopted in 1850 by the Territory of Utah and modified by the artist Harry Edwards when Utah became a state in 1896.

Utah Territory flag

Prior to Utah's admission to the Union, the Utah Territory used a flag somewhat resembling the one latter used as a state.

Flag of the State of Deseret

According to most descriptions, the flag of the State of Deseret was similar to the flag of the State of Utah, but as it was not standardized, multiple other secular and religious alternatives were also used.

Notes

References

• Book: "How Proudly They Wave: Flags of the Fifty States" by Rita D. Haban