The Historic state flag (Code) was originally Utah’s official state flag. In 2023, the Utah Legislature approved the new state flag and the old state flag officially became the Historic State Flag. Governor Spencer Cox signed this into law on March 21, 2023. The historic state flag will continue to be flown with the new flag at the Utah State Capitol during official ceremonies, special events, and legislative sessions. There are three official variations of the historical flag.

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

History of the Historic State Flag

Each state in the country has customarily adopted a state flag. Since the colonial Days of 1775, each state designed their flags to help distinguish the ideas and tradition of that particular state. The original Utah State Flag and Great Seal was adopted by the State Legislature in 1896. The flag was adopted in 1911 and revised in 1913. The flag design includes the Great Seal of the State of Utah centered on a blue background. The beehive on the shield stands for hard work and industry. The date 1847 is the year the Latter-day Saints came to Utah. A bald eagle, the United States national bird, perches atop the shield and symbolizes protection in peace and war. The sego lily is a symbol of peace and a U.S. flag appears on each side, symbolizing Utah’s support to the nation. The Utah State Flag, as we know it today, was originally designed for the battleship Utah in 1912. It was later made the official flag of Utah when Governor William Spry signed House Joint Resolution I in 1913.

Utah State Flag Resolution, 2011

The original state flag, which features Utah’s state seal (Internal link to seal page), was created by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1903 under the direction of Governor Heber M. Wells. It was adopted on March 9, 1911. The statute which describes the proper appearance of the state flag was passed in 1913. In 1922, changes were made in the state flag which were not consistent with the 1913 statute, and which have been perpetuated in state flags from 1922 to 2011 (View the incorrect flag). The Utah State Flag Concurrent Resolution (Utah State Legislature, 2011 General Session, H.C.R. 2 Enrolled), sponsored by Representative Julie Fisher and Senator Mark Madsen, reaffirmed the 1913 statute and encouraged that state flags be manufactured according to the law. The redesigned flag was first raised above the Capitol grounds on March 9, 2011, Utah State Flag Day.

2023 Designation as the Historic State Flag

In 2023, during the legislative session, Utah lawmakers passed S.B. 131, establishing a new state flag. Governor Spencer Cox signed the bill into law on March 21, 2023, and the new flag was adopted on March 9, 2024. While approving the bill, the Governor also requested that the Legislature amend it to allow the previous state flag to be displayed above the new state flag when both are present.

Territorial Design

Flag of Utah (unofficial) (1903–circa 1909)

• Utah’s First State Flag Finally Found (Deseret News)

Flag of Utah (unofficial) (circa 1909–1911)
Flag of Utah (1911–1913)
Flag of Utah (1913–1922)
Flag of Utah (1922–2011)
Flag of Utah (2011–2024)