The Story of Florida’s State Flag

The American Flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. But, how much do you know about the state flag?

The American Flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. It's a lovely piece of cloth that proudly totes the colors red, white and blue, and you don't have to go far to see one outside a business or home in pretty much every city and town in the U.S. But, how much do you know about the state one?

So, what are the origins of the American Flag? What's wild is that it's not totally clear. "The origin of the first American flag is unknown," notes PBS, adding that "some historians believe it was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross."

Also, the initial American banner looked different from what it is today. "When the United States Flag was first recognized by Congress in 1777, it did not have the familiar thirteen stripes and fifty stars that it does today," the National Flag Foundation notes. "Although still red, white, and blue, the Flag had thirteen stars and stripes to represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States."

Now, Reader's Digest has highlighted each state's flag and its meaning. "Whether you’re looking to amp up your knowledge of American history or celebrate holidays like Memorial Day, take the time to learn about each of the U.S. state flags," they state in the feature. "Each flag has a story, making it all the more fascinating when studying the history of the state you live in."

So, the Florida state flag has gone through "several iterations before taking on its current form in 1900, according to the Florida Department of State," Reader's Digest notes. They add that the "state seal appears in the center of a crimson St. Andrew’s cross" and is also "on a skirt worn by the Native American woman who is pictured scattering flowers." It's a very unique flag. It also says, "In God We Trust."