Montana State Flag
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Montana State Flag
The Montana state flag was adopted in 1905 and features the state seal on a blue background. A landscape showing mountains, the Great Falls of Missouri River, and mining tools fills the circular seal. The word Montana appears in gold letters above the seal.
What Is the Montana State Flag?
The Montana state flag is the official banner representing Montana. A dark blue field covers the background. The state seal appears in the center showing a mountain landscape with a waterfall and river.
Mining tools including a pick, shovel, and plow appear in the foreground. The state motto Oro y Plata curves on a ribbon. The word Montana sits above the seal in gold capital letters. Government buildings and schools across Montana fly this flag.
Meaning of the Montana State Flag
The flag represents Montana's natural resources and industries through the state seal. The mountains symbolize Montana's rugged terrain. The Great Falls represents the Missouri River and water resources.
Mining tools in the seal show Montana's mining heritage. The plow represents agriculture. Together they emphasize the two foundations of Montana's early economy: mining and farming.
The motto Oro y Plata means Gold and Silver in Spanish. It references the precious metals that drew settlers to Montana Territory. The blue field represents the sky and connects Montana to other western states.
History of the Montana State Flag
Montana authorized its state flag in 1905. The legislature approved a design featuring the state seal on blue. Colonel Harry C. Kessler carried this flag when he led Montana troops during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The design gained popularity before official adoption.
The seal itself dated to 1865. Montana Territory created it 24 years before statehood. The seal showed Montana's landscape and economic activities. When Montana became a state in 1889, the territorial seal became the state seal.
The legislature modified the flag in 1981. Lawmakers added the word Montana in gold letters above the seal. Before this change, the flag showed only the seal on blue. The 1981 revision made Montana's flag easier to identify.
Previous Versions of the Montana State Flag
Original State Flag
The first official flag featured only the state seal centered on a blue field without the state name.
Current State Flag
The modified flag added the word Montana in gold letters above the seal.
Symbols of the Montana State Flag
Montana State Seal
The state seal dominates the flag's center. Montana Territory adopted this seal in 1865. A landscape shows mountains in the background. The Great Falls of the Missouri River cascades in the middle ground. Trees frame both sides.
Mining tools fill the foreground. A pick and shovel cross each other. A plow sits nearby. These tools represent Montana's two main industries during territorial days: mining and agriculture. The imagery shows how settlers made their living.
A ribbon curves below with the motto Oro y Plata. That's Spanish for Gold and Silver. Montana's mountains contained both precious metals. The motto honors the mining boom that built Montana Territory.
Montana Text
The word Montana appears above the seal. Gold capital letters spell out the state name. The legislature added this element in 1981.
Before 1981, nothing identified which state the flag represented. Many states used blue flags with seals. Montana's flag looked similar to others. Adding the state name solved this problem.
Blue Field
Dark blue covers the entire background. Montana chose blue to match other state flags. The color also represents the Montana sky.
Blue became standard for western state flags in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Montana followed this pattern when it adopted its flag in 1905.
Montana State Flag Colors
The flag uses dark blue, gold, green, brown, white, and gray. Dark blue forms the field. Gold appears in the text and motto ribbon. Green shows in the trees and landscape. Brown colors the tools. White and gray depict the waterfall and mountains.
Montana State Flag Facts
- Montana adopted its state flag in 1905
- The state seal on the flag dates to 1865
- The word Montana was added to the flag in 1981
- The motto Oro y Plata means Gold and Silver in Spanish
- The seal shows the Great Falls of the Missouri River
- Colonel Harry C. Kessler popularized the flag design before official adoption
Test Your Knowledge
Can you identify state flags? Challenge yourself with our interactive quiz!
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and historical databases.
Official documentation on Montana state flag and symbols • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Historical context and flag specifications • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Accuracy Commitment: We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us.