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State Flag Quiz: Can You Guess the U.S. State By Its Flag?

What do you really know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? Take this state flag quiz to test your patriotic smarts.

1 / 100
Hawaii-state-flag
Restimage/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #1

This U.S. state may be small, but its flag has big national pride. Can you guess which state it is?

2 / 100
Hawaii
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Hawaii. If you think you know the state flags well, test your knowledge of the U.S. state facts that everyone gets wrong.

3 / 100
Louisiana-State-flag
Louisiana State Flag/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #2

Thanks to the state bird featured on this flag (a pelican), the residents of this state can fly their flags in more ways than one.

4 / 100
Louisiana-state-flag
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Louisiana. Here’s a lesson on the 15 U.S. geography facts you never learned in school.

5 / 100
South-Carolina-State-flag
Lukasz Stefanski/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #3

At first glance, you might think this flag represents a tropical state like Florida or California. Not so fast! You’ll need to use those agile, all-American noggins to guess this one.

6 / 100
Columbia
sevenMaps7/shutterstock

Answer: South Carolina. Don’t miss these American flag photos that’ll make you feel patriotic.

7 / 100
Missouri-state-flag
illpos/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #4

This state’s name means “wooden canoe people” or “he of the big canoe.” But unless you speak Sioux Indian, you might need to sneak a peek at the answer on the next slide. Or, you can use this list that reveals how every state in America got its name!

8 / 100
Missouri
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Missouri

9 / 100
Mississippi-state-flag
petch one/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #5

History and patriotism collide on this flag. (You’ll get double points on this state flag quiz if you can spell the state’s name correctly!)

10 / 100
Mississippi
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Answer: Mississippi

11 / 100
Colorado-State-flag
Lukasz Stefanski/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #6

If you have a hunch the letter C on this flag represents a specific state, you would be correct. But is it California? Connecticut? Read on to find out. Don’t miss the American facts your history teacher never taught you.

12 / 100
Denver
sevenMaps7/shutterstock

Answer: Colorado. Don’t forget to read up the origins of Flag Day and why we celebrate it.

13 / 100
Pennsylvania-State-flag
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Mystery flag #7

This state goes by several names, including the Keystone State, the Quaker State, and the Coal State. No word on the “Most Regal Flag” State, though. This state flag quiz isn’t the only way to showcase your national pride. If you need a good laugh, memorize these 50 jokes for each of the 50 states.

14 / 100
Pennsylvania
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Pennsylvania

15 / 100
Alabama-state-flag
Lukasz Stefanski/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #8

X marks the spot… or the state flag. It might take a treasure hunt to discover which southern state claims this simple (yet stylish!) flag. These are the most historic firsts from every state.

16 / 100
Alabama
sevenMaps7/shutterstock

Answer: Alabama

17 / 100
illpos/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #9

This small state packs a big punch when it comes to its unique flag. It also happens to be one of the happiest states in America.

18 / 100
Massachusetts
Gemenacom/Shutterstock

Answer: Massachusetts

19 / 100
Texas-state-flag
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Mystery flag #10

Everything is bigger in this state—including its flag’s bold stripes. No wonder its nickname is “the Lone Star State.” Know what it is? Then try out this quiz to test your knowledge of more state nicknames.

20 / 100
Texas
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Texas

21 / 100
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Mystery flag #11

This state is divided into three sections—east, middle, and west—which are symbolized by the three stars on its flag. And if you try to get married there, you need to know the surprising marriage law you might be breaking.

22 / 100
Tennessee
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Tennessee

23 / 100
Ohio-state-flag
Filip Bjorkman/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #12

This state boasts the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag; its flag is shaped like a swallowtail or pennant, instead. Although no one knows exactly why it was designed this way, some believe the unique shape represents the distinct groups of early pioneers who settled there. Don’t miss the strangest unsolved mysteries in every state.

24 / 100
Ohio
Bennian/shutterstock

Answer: Ohio

25 / 100
Alaska-state-flag
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Mystery flag #13

People from this state often refer to themselves as “sourdoughs.” Learn more slang words no one outside of your state will understand.

26 / 100
Alaska
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Answer: Alaska

27 / 100
Connecticut-state-flag
illpos/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #14

The phrase below the shield means “He who transplanted still sustains” in Latin, which is this state’s motto. Can you guess which New England state claims this colorful flag?

28 / 100
Connecticut
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Connecticut

29 / 100
Arizona-state-flag
oxameel/shutterstock

Mystery flag #15

This flag has some serious star power. Don’t know which state it belongs to? Here’s a tip: The correct answer also happens to be the only U.S. state where McDonald’s uses turquoise arches.

30 / 100
Phoenix
Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock

Answer: Arizona

31 / 100
New-York-state-flag
illpos/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #16

This state is notorious for its concrete jungles, apple orchards, and one of the world’s most famous waterfalls.

32 / 100
New-York
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: New York

33 / 100
New-jersey-state-flag
N.Vector Design/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #17

Fun fact: This flag contains a color that is named after the state. Need a hint? It’s a shade of blue!

34 / 100
New-jersey
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Answer: New Jersey

35 / 100
North Carolina State Flag
Lukasz Stefanski/shutterstock

Mystery flag #18

Something tells us that you can figure this one out, even without any hints (other than the ones already on this flag, of course).

36 / 100
north carolina on the map
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: North Carolina

37 / 100
rhode island state flag
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #19

Though this state is located on the coast, that’s not what the anchor on this U.S. state flag represents. The gold anchor is a symbol of hope, and the 13 stars surrounding it symbolize the 13 original colonies. Learn the truth behind these U.S. state facts everyone gets wrong.

38 / 100
Rhode Island. USA
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer: Rhode Island

39 / 100
The flag of the United States of America State Delaware
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Mystery flag #20

The date on this U.S. state flag is the day its corresponding state ratified the Constitution, becoming the first state to do so. Within the diamond is the state’s coat of arms and an inscription reading “Liberty and Independence.”

40 / 100
Georgetown. Delaware. USA
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Answer: Delaware

41 / 100
New Mexico State Flag
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Mystery flag #21

This flag’s simple but striking sunburst pays tribute to the Native American tribe indigenous to this area of the U.S. Known as the Zia, they view the sun as sacred and represent it as a red circle with four groups of rays. Don’t miss the best kept secret in every state.

42 / 100
Map view of New Mexico on a geographical globe. (vignette)
Victor Maschek/Shutterstock

Answer: New Mexico

43 / 100
dovla982/shutterstock

Mystery flag #22

This might look more like a fancy playing card than a U.S. state flag, but the two distinct designs on it represent the state’s founders. The black-and-gold one is the crest of the Calverts, this state’s founding family. The red-and-white crest belongs to the Crossland family; Crossland was the surname of the mother of George Calvert. Here’s a hint: the official title of the Calvert family became the name of a major city in this state. It’s not the capital, though! Can you ace this quiz on the U.S. state capitals?

44 / 100
Geographic map of US state Maryland and Washington DC city
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Answer:  Maryland  (The city, in case you’re wondering, is Baltimore! The Calverts also went by the Lords Baltimore.)

45 / 100
Michigan state flag
Atlaspix/shutterstock

Mystery flag #23

There’s a whole lot of Latin on this state flag! “E Pluribus Unum” means “from many, one.” “Tuebor” means “I will defend.” And the words on the white banners translate to what might be the most chuckle-worthy of all state mottos: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” As for the animals, the moose and elk are symbols of the state, while the eagle represents the entire nation. Want more funny state facts? These are the most hilarious street names in every state.

46 / 100
Geographic map of Michigan close
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer: Michigan

47 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #24

This state flag, chosen in 2003 to replace an old one containing Confederate imagery, features the gold coat of arms of the state surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies.

48 / 100
Map of Georgia
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Georgia

49 / 100
maine state flag
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #25

The bright red banner reading Dirigo, or “I Lead,” provides a bright contrast to the blues and yellows of the rest of this flag. The pine tree in the coat of arms also features in this state’s nickname: the Pine Tree State.

50 / 100
Augusta pinned on map.
Zmaj88/Shutterstock

Answer: Maine

51 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #26

Half of the 50 state flags actually proudly proclaim the name of their state. For the rest of the flags in this state flag quiz, starting with this one, the answer is hidden in plain sight, and you’ll have to decode the rest of the clues on the flag to find the answers.

52 / 100
Des Moines pinned on a map of USA
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Answer: Iowa. Take a look at the 12 states that almost became a part of the U.S.

53 / 100
Virginia state flag
Lukasz Stefanski/shutterstock

Mystery flag #27

Here’s another one with the state’s name proclaimed loud and clear. What might be a little less clear is what this state’s flag depicts: the motto, “Thus Always to Tyrants.” The man on the ground represents a tyrant getting his due. Check out these facts about the American flag that prove it’s even cooler than you thought.

54 / 100
Geographic map of Virginia close
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer:  Virginia

55 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #28

This state’s seal, featured here on its state flag, is the only state seal out of all 50 that was designed by a woman. The designer, Emma Edwards Green, was born in 1856 in California—which is not the state she would later design a seal for.

56 / 100
Map view of Idaho State
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Answer:  Idaho

57 / 100
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Mystery flag #29

With this state’s iconic Green Mountains in the background and “freedom and unity” surrounding the state name, this state packs a lot of state pride into the small emblem on its mostly blue flag.

58 / 100
Rutland. Vermont. USA
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Answer:  Vermont. Next time you take a trip, make sure you visit one of these 50 hidden gems in the U.S.

59 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #30

If you’re a fan of 1970s video games, the yellow image on this flag might seem familiar—and tip you off about the hidden state name shown here. Can you guess the only letter in the alphabet that’s not in any U.S. state name?

60 / 100
Closeup of Eugene, Oregon on a political map of USA.
sevenMaps7/Shutterstock

Answer:  Oregon

61 / 100
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #31

Don’t let the motto on this state flag—”Montani Semper Liberi,” meaning “mountaineers are always free”—fool you. This flag doesn’t belong to Montana!

62 / 100
Closeup Selective Focus Of West Virginia State On A Geographical And Political State Map Of The USA.
BestStockFoto/Shutterstock

Answer:  West Virginia

63 / 100
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #32

America’s bald eagle mascot takes a prime spot on this Midwestern state’s flag. The two years on the rock represent the date this state became part of the union (1818) and the year the current state seal was designed (1868). Give your U.S. state knowledge a really tricky test by seeing how many states you can identify without their borders.

64 / 100
Closeup Selective Focus Of Illinois State On A Geographical And Political State Map Of The USA.
BestStockFoto/Shutterstock

Answer:  Illinois

65 / 100
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #33

This state is nicknamed “the Beehive State,” and this buzzy symbol makes an appearance on its flag.

66 / 100
Utah map background
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Utah

67 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #34

The 13 stars on this U.S. state flag represent the original 13 colonies…even though this state wasn’t actually one of them! Check out these surprising places you didn’t know you could find the American flag.

68 / 100
North Dakota State, USA.
atdr/Shutterstock

Answer: North Dakota

69 / 100
virginia state flag
Svetocheck/shutterstock

Mystery flag #35

This state’s flower, the goldenrod, blossoms around the display of unity on its state seal.

70 / 100
kentucky on the map
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Kentucky. Next, learn about the strangest animals found in every state.

71 / 100
Lukasz Stefanski/Shutterstock

Mystery flag #36

This flag boasts its state name and its date of statehood in huge text, so that there’s no mistaking which state it belongs to! “Forward” to the next slide to find out what state it is.

72 / 100
Geographic map of US state Wisconsin with important cities
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer: Wisconsin

73 / 100
Arkansas State Flag
Restimage/shutterstock

Mystery flag #37

The diamond shapes on this flag aren’t just a cool design element; they were included because this state was the only place in North America where diamonds had ever been found at the time of the flag’s design. As for the twenty-five stars within the border of the diamond, they represent the fact that this state was the 25th to join the Union. Learn the story of how the 50-star American flag was designed by a high school student.

74 / 100
Arkansas map
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Arkansas

75 / 100
Ksanawo/shutterstock

Mystery flag #38

The American bison, in addition to adding a stately majesty to this flag, is also this state’s official state mammal and is a favorite of animal-loving tourists at its most famous national park. Here are the 12 White House facts you missed in history class.

76 / 100
Geographic map of Wyoming close
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer: Wyoming

77 / 100
Florida State Flag
Lukasz Stefanski/shutterstock

Mystery flag #39

Similar to Alabama’s flag with its white background and bright red X, this state flag also belongs to a southern state.

78 / 100
Florida map
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock

Answer: Florida

79 / 100
Ksanawo/shutterstock

Mystery flag #40

This beary nice flag belongs to the state where blue jeans were invented! Find out the most famous invention from every U.S. state.

80 / 100
Map view of California on a geographical globe. (vignette)
Victor Maschek/Shutterstock

Answer: California

81 / 100
Lukasz Stefanski/shutterstock

Mystery flag #41

The biggest star of the 19 on this flag represents both the state—the 19th to join the U.S. after the original 13—and the North Star, since this is the North Star State.

82 / 100
St Paul pinned on a map of USA
Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock

Answer: Minnesota

83 / 100
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #42

This state flag pays tribute to the Native Americans native to its land, both with the seal of the Osage Nation above the state name and with the shade of blue in the background, which comes from a Choctaw battle flag. These are the 10 tricky U.S. war history questions most people can’t answer right.

84 / 100
Red pin on Oklahoma city, Oklahoma, USA. Copy space available.
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Answer: Oklahoma

85 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #43

It’s smooth sailing for the USS Raleigh, the warship immortalized on this state flag, which was one of 13 ships built for the original U.S. navy in 1776. The ship is depicted in the harbor of this state’s city of Portsmouth.

86 / 100
Closeup Selective Focus Of New Hampshire State On A Geographical And Political State Map Of The USA.
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Answer: New Hampshire

87 / 100
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #44

If you’re wondering if this one is as obvious as it might seem…the answer is yes! It’s the only state flag to feature a U.S. president. Here are some astonishing facts you never knew about American presidents.

88 / 100
Olympia pinned on a map of USA
Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock

Answer: Washington

89 / 100
kansas state flag
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Mystery flag #45

Known as the Sunflower State, this state features its delightfully positive motto—”Ad Astra per Aspera,” meaning “to the stars through difficulties”—on its blue-and-gold flag.

90 / 100
Closeup Selective Focus Of Kansas State On A Geographical And Political State Map Of The USA.
BestStockFoto/Shutterstock

Answer: Kansas

91 / 100
illpos/shutterstock

Mystery flag #46

Boasting a torch reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty’s, but in gold instead of green, this flag’s design represents liberty, enlightenment, and their far-reaching influence. Did you know that green actually wasn’t the Statue of Liberty’s original color?

92 / 100
Geographic map of Indiana close
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer: Indiana

93 / 100
oxameel/shutterstock

Mystery flag #47

This state is “Battle Born” because it was added to the United States in 1864, during the American Civil War, a distinction it shares with only West Virginia. Don’t let that fool you into thinking these two states are close together, though!

94 / 100
Las Vegas pinned on the map.
Zmaj88/Shutterstock

Answer: Nevada

95 / 100
oxameel/shutterstock

Mystery flag #48

This scenic state flag has been around since 1905, but the big yellow letters displaying the state’s name actually weren’t added until 1981. For more patriotic pizzazz, check out these iconic adventures in all 50 states.

96 / 100
Helena pinned on a map of USA
Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock

Answer: Montana

97 / 100
Atlaspix/shutterstock

Mystery flag #49

The name of this state comes from the Native American word for “flat water,” representing the river running through its plains. (Nope, not the Mississippi or the Missouri—the Platte River.)

98 / 100
Geographic map of US state Nebraska with important cities
Bennian/Shutterstock

Answer: Nebraska

99 / 100
south dakota state flag
Globe Turner/shutterstock

Mystery flag #50

If process of elimination doesn’t help you figure out the final state in this state flag quiz, maybe the mention of its most famous landmark will.

100 / 100
Map view of South Dakota on a geographical globe.
Victor Maschek/Shutterstock

Answer: South Dakota

Now that this state flag quiz has filled you with patriotic pride, don’t miss these 50 astonishing facts about all 50 states in America.

Brooke Nelson Alexander
Brooke is a tech and consumer products writer covering the latest in digital trends, product reviews, security and privacy, and other news and features for Reader's Digest. She's a two-time Emmy-nominated reporter with nearly 10 years of publishing experience, and her work has been recognized by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
Meghan Jones
Meghan Jones is a word nerd who has been writing for RD.com since 2017. You can find her byline on pieces about grammar, fun facts, the meanings of various head-scratching words and phrases, and more. Meghan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2017; her creative nonfiction piece “Anticipation” was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Angles literary magazine.