North Dakota State Flag coloring activity (.PDF format) - State Symbols

On March 3, 1911, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly adopted the official North Dakota State Flag. Introduced by Representative Colonel John H. Fraine, the legislation required the flag conform to the color, form, and size of the regimental flag carried by the North Dakota Infantry in the Spanish-American War in 1898 and Philippine Island Insurrection in 1899. The only exception is the name "North Dakota" placed on the scroll beneath the eagle in place of the words "First North Dakota Infantry." This drawing depicts the scale and form of the original regimental flag on permanent exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center. SHSND #6826A. The color and symbol descriptions are found in the North Dakota Century Code (the codification of the laws of North Dakota). The colors are highlighted in the excerpt from the law that follows. Also view additional information on the state flag and other North Dakota symbols on the State of North Dakota symbols web page.

NDCC 54-02-02. State flag. The flag of North Dakota must consist of a field of blue silk or material which will withstand the elements four feet four inches [132.08 centimeters] on the pike and five feet six inches [167.64 centimeters] on the fly, with a border of knotted yellow fringe two and one-half inches [6.35 centimeters] wide. On each side of said flag in the center thereof, must be embroidered or stamped an eagle with outspread wings and with opened beak. The eagle must be three feet four inches [101.6 centimeters] from tip to tip of wing, and one foot ten inches [55.88 centimeters] from top of head to bottom of olive branch hereinafter described. The left foot of the eagle shall grasp a sheaf of arrows, the right foot shall grasp an olive branch showing three red berries. On the breast of the eagle must be displayed a shield, the lower part showing seven red and six white stripes placed alternately. Through the open beak of the eagle must pass a scroll bearing the words "E Pluribus Unum". Beneath the eagle there must be a scroll on which must be borne the words "North Dakota". Over the scroll carried through the eagle's beak must be shown thirteen five- pointed stars, the whole device being surmounted by a sunburst. The flag must conform in all respects as to color, form, size, and device with the regimental flag carried by the First North Dakota Infantry in the Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection, except in the words shown on the scroll below the eagle.

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Last revised 05-01-2000