Flag of Colorado
The flag of Colorado consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width; the top and bottom stripes are blue, and the middle stripe is white. On top of these stripes sits a circular red “C”, filled with a golden disk. The blue is meant to represent the skies, the gold stands for the sunshine Colorado enjoys 300 days out of the year, while white represents snow-capped mountains. The flag was designed in 1911 by Andrew Carlisle Johnson, who won a contest held by Governor Jesse F. McDonald to find a replacement for his home state’s original flag that featured an unappealing green and yellow design. Competition for this new flag was later held in 1964, which increased participation across all ages from its earlier incarnation fifty years before. However, legislators agreed that there was nothing better than what they already had and voted to keep it as it was then.
The flag of Colorado consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width, the top and bottom stripes blue, and the middle stripe white, on top of which sits a circular red “C”, filled with a golden disk.
The design was adopted in 1911 after it won a competition for the new state flag. The design was based on an existing painting by Captain Harry F. Leverett who served in the Colorado National Guard from 1882 to 1900. He had been commissioned by Major General John Elwell Slocum to paint his experience during the Spanish–American War (1898). During that time he saw many flags representing various states in their regiments as well as those being used by companies within those regiments; he recalled this when asked for suggestions for Colorado’s new official flag design.
The winning design is based upon one created by Colonel Jesse S. Elliott, who drew up recommendations for designs in 1901 at the request of Governor James Hogg. He submitted his proposal to Governor Hogg among others including himself; all four were submitted to congress who chose one each year between 1916-1918 before finally selecting one amongst themselves which became known as “the” new state flag. The exact process or formula used during these deliberations remains unknown today but it is known that they used very specific criteria when selecting their finalist
Design
The design of the flag features a circular shape that represents a sun rising over mountains. There are four triangular shapes on each side, pointing towards the centre; these represent snow-capped peaks. In the centre of this circle is a golden disk with “COLORADO” written in blue letters with a red outline around it. The entire design is bordered by two silver cords going through each other vertically, forming another circle at their intersection point.
The colours of this flag represent its landscape: the blue symbolizes clear skies and sunrises, while white represents snowy mountains and clouds.
History
The flag of the state of Colorado was adopted in 1911 and consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width, the top and bottom stripes blue, and the middle stripe white, on top of which sits a circular red “C”, filled with a golden disk. The letter stands for “Colorado” and was chosen as it resembles an “eagle in flight” according to legend. The golden disk represents sunshine on the State’s mountains.
The current design replaced one created by Governor Charles S. Thomas in 1901 that had been adopted by act of legislature but which did not contain any symbolism relating to Colorado or its history except for being blue, white and red (the colours from Spain’s royal banner).
Symbology
The Colorado state flag is the only one of its kind to have a Latin motto, which can be translated as “Let us unite with our land.” The red and blue bands on the left side of the flag represent Spanish-American War veterans who served in Colorado. They were also included because they are traditional Spanish colours. The white middle band represents snow-capped mountains, while the yellow disk on top stands for sunshine—a symbol of both agriculture and industry.
The red C painted on a white backdrop at the centre honours two important events in state history: Colorado becoming part of America after gaining independence from Spain (1810), and when gold was discovered near Denver (1858).
Conclusion
The Colorado state flag is a beautiful symbol of the Centennial State. It was designed to reflect the spirit of what it means to be a Coloradan, and that spirit lives on today in all who live and work in the state.
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