Oregon State Flags

Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859. Founded as a refuge from disputes over slavery, Oregon had a "whites only" clause in its original state Constitution. Beginning in the 1880s, the growth of railroads expanded the state's lumber, wheat, and other agricultural markets, and the rapid growth of its cities. Due to the abundance of timber and waterway access via the Willamette River, Portland became a major force in the lumber industry of the Pacific Northwest, and quickly became the state's largest city.

The official state flag itself was officially adopted in 1925 when a postmaster requested an official flag sent to Washington DC to be displayed in a grouping of the 50 state flags.

What is the Design of the Oregon State Flag?

The flag of the state of Oregon is a two-sided flag in navy blue and gold with an optional gold fringe. On the front is the escutcheon from the state seal and on the reverse is a gold figure of a beaver, the state animal. On the obverse, the legend STATE OF OREGON is written above an escutcheon, which also appears in the Oregon state seal. The shield is surrounded by 33 stars, and below the shield is written 1859.

Depicted on the shield, is a blazing sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, mountains, forests and a Conestoga wagon all representing the natural resources and splendor of Oregon and the early settlers to the territory. A plow, a sheaf of wheat and a pickax are featured as well. Two ships are shown; a British Man-of-War and an American trade vessel. The crest of the shield is the American eagle. Also displayed is a banner with the words "The Union."

The design was based on Oregon's nineteenth-century military flag, a standard regimental flag with the state seal’s escutcheon on a nearly-square blue field. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is 3:5.

When was the Oregon State Flag Adopted?

The Oregon state flag was adopted on February 26, 1925 and is the only U.S. state flag that displays different images on front and back. It was also among the last states to adopt a flag, only doing so in 1925 after Portland’s postmaster, J.M. Jones, asked for a flag to present to the U.S. Post Office Department for a display.

What does the Oregon State Flag Symbolize?

The symbols on the shield include the mountains and forests of Oregon, an elk with branching antlers, a covered wagon and ox team, the Pacific Ocean with a setting sun, a departing British man-of-war ship (a symbol of the departure of British influence in the region) and an arriving American merchant ship (a symbol of the rise of American power). Depicted on the shield on the Oregon state flag, is a blazing sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, mountains, forests and a Conestoga wagon all representing the natural resources and beauty of Oregon state and the early settlers to the territory. The elk represents Oregon’s abundant wildlife while the forests and wagon show the natural resources and splendor of the early settlers there as well. A plow, a sheaf of wheat and a pickax represent the early industry of the state; agriculture and mining. Of the two ships: The one leaving is a British ship and the one arriving is a United States ship representing trade. The two ships, one belonging to the United States and one a British Man-O-War, vary in meaning depending on who you ask. Some say they signify the departing of a British influence in Oregon so America’s power could emerge. Others claim that they depict both Great Britain’s and the United States’ claims on Oregon. The 33 stars supporting the shield signify that Oregon was the 33rd state to join the Union.

The reverse of the flag pictures Oregon's official state animal - the beaver (Oregon's nickname is The Beaver State, stemming from the early 19th century when fur hats were fashionable and Oregon’s streams were an important source of beaver).

Public display of the Oregon State Flag?

The Oregon legislature enacted a law in 1953 requiring that the state flag be flown over schools, courthouses, and other public buildings.

The Oregon flag width is 1.7 times the height.

For dress or parade use, the flag may feature a gold fringe. For standard use, no fringe is required.