The flag of the U.S. state of Wyoming was adopted on January 31, 1917. Its design consists of a blue field bordered by white and red, with a white silhouette of an American bison in the center, bearing the state seal rendered in blue on its side.

Statute

thumb|200px|Flag of Wyoming flying below the [[Flag of the United States|United States flag.]]

thumb|200px|The Wyoming state flag as depicted in the 1976 bicentennial postage stamp series.

The 2024 Wyoming Statutes, Title 8, Chapter 3, § 8-3-102 defines the state flag as follows:

Design of the seal

The great seal of Wyoming, as defined in the 2024 Wyoming Statutes, Title 8, Chapter 3, § 8-3-101, is as follows:

  • Circular seal with the outer rim inscribed "Great Seal of the State of Wyoming"
  • Central pedestal with an eagle resting on a shield, the shield bearing a star and the number "44"
  • Draped female figure modeled on the Louvre's "Victory," standing on the pedestal and holding a staff with a banner reading "Equal Rights," with broken chains hanging from her wrists
  • Male figures flanking the pedestal representing the livestock and mining industries
  • Two pillars in the background, each supporting a lighted lamp
  • Scrolls around the pillars inscribed "Livestock" and "Grain" (right) and "Mines" and "Oil" (left)
  • Dates "1869–1890" at the base of the pedestal

Symbolism

The symbolism of the Wyoming state seal as detailed in the statute reflects both the state's history and values: the eagle and shield represent the United States and Wyoming's position as the 44th state; the central female figure embodies the political position and rights of women, with broken chains signifying freedom and progress; the male figures symbolize the key industries of livestock and mining; the two pillars and lamps signify the light of knowledge; the scrolls identify the primary economic sectors; and the dates "1869–1890" mark the organization of the Wyoming Territory and the state's admission to the Union.

History

Pre-official flags (before 1917)

According to The Wyoming Commonwealth, during the 1890 Admission day paraded in Cheyenne, a lady named Mrs. Fannie Oilerenshaw carried with her what was described as a state flag. The design was not described. Another mention of a state flag was in 1910. It was being sent to the Virginia Fair by Adjutant General P. A. Gatchell. The flag was not described.

thumb|200px| Rep. Frederick's 1911 proposal, per description

In February 1911, a bill was introduced by Representative Pep Frederick to the house to propose a state flag. The bill didn't pass the house with the state not having an official flag for another 6 years. The flag was described as:

Current flag (1917–present)

thumb|200px| Verna Keays' original design

thumb|200px|The Wyoming state flag presented to [[United States Post Office Department|the Post Office Department by a delegation from Wyoming, 1926]]

In 1916, the Wyoming Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a public contest to design a state flag. The contest, advertised in Wyoming newspapers beginning in early September 1916, offered a $20 prize () and gave designers approximately one month to submit entries, all of which were to be postmarked to the adress of DAR state regent Grace Raymond Hebard. A total of 37 submissions were received, and the winning design was selected by DAR members. The chosen entry was created by Verna Keays, a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, who had already achieved professional success as a designer. Keays later described having conceived the design in a dream, waking her friend in excitement at the moment of what she considered a divine inspiration.

File:1st Wyoming Volunteer Infantry Battalion flag (1898).png|Flag carried by 1st Wyoming Volunteer Infantry Battalion during the Spanish-American War

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References

  • Rebecca Keays on Verna Keays Keyes & State Flag Design, Women of Wyoming, Then & Now, Wyoming Historical Society