Flag of South Dakota
The flag of South Dakota features the state seal in the centre, surrounded by a golden blazing sun in a blue field. The seal depicts a riverboat on the Missouri River, with a plough, a shovel, and a pickaxe representing agriculture, mining, and industry. Above the riverboat, there is a bald eagle, a Lakota Sioux Indian chief on the left and a white settler on the right, symbolizing the state’s history and diversity. The state’s name, “South Dakota,” is written in gold letters above the seal.
Brief History of the South Dakota Flag
The current flag of South Dakota was officially adopted in 1909. It was designed by a committee of the state legislature and features the state seal in the centre, surrounded by a golden blazing sun in a blue field. The seal depicts a riverboat on the Missouri River, with a plough, a shovel, and a pickaxe representing agriculture, mining, and industry. Above the riverboat, there is a bald eagle, a Lakota Sioux Indian chief on the left and a white settler on the right, symbolizing the state’s history and diversity. The state’s name, “South Dakota,” is written in gold letters above the seal.
Design and Symbolism
The design of the South Dakota flag features the state seal in the centre, surrounded by a golden blazing sun in a blue field. The seal depicts a riverboat on the Missouri River, symbolizing the importance of transportation and commerce to the state’s history. The riverboat is surrounded by a plough, a shovel, and a pickaxe, representing agriculture, mining, and industry, which are important parts of the state’s economy. Above the riverboat, there is a bald eagle, symbolizing freedom and the United States. On the left of the seal, there is a Lakota Sioux Indian chief, representing the state’s Native American history and culture. On the right, there is a white settler, symbolizing the state’s pioneer heritage. The state’s name, “South Dakota,” is written in gold letters above the seal. The blue field and the golden sun symbolize the state’s natural beauty, clear skies and abundance of sunshine.