Montana
The Flag of Montana
The Flag of Montana
The Flag of Montana Rounded Rectangle
The Flag of Montana Rounded Rectangle
The Flag of Montana Wavy I
The Flag of Montana Wavy I
The Flag of Montana Wavy II
The Flag of Montana Wavy II
The Flag of Montana Brushed
The Flag of Montana Brushed
The Flag of Montana Crossed Flags
The Flag of Montana Crossed Flags
The Flag of Montana Square
The Flag of Montana Square
The Flag of Montana Rounded Square
The Flag of Montana Rounded Square
The Flag of Montana Round
The Flag of Montana Round
The Flag of Montana Scallop Circle
The Flag of Montana Scallop Circle
The Flag of Montana Star Burst
The Flag of Montana Star Burst
The Flag of Montana Star
The Flag of Montana Star
The Flag of Montana Hexagon I
The Flag of Montana Hexagon I
The Flag of Montana Hexagon II
The Flag of Montana Hexagon II
The Flag of Montana Rounded Hexagon
The Flag of Montana Rounded Hexagon
The Flag of Montana Pentagon
The Flag of Montana Pentagon
The Flag of Montana Shielded I
The Flag of Montana Shielded I
The Flag of Montana Shielded II
The Flag of Montana Shielded II
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner I
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner I
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner II
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner II
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner III
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner III
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner IV
The Flag of Montana Hanging Banner IV
The Flag of Montana Heart
The Flag of Montana Heart
The Flag of Montana Map Pin
The Flag of Montana Map Pin
The Flag of Montana Handheld
The Flag of Montana Handheld
Montana
The Flag of Montana Pole Flag I
The Flag of Montana Pole Flag II
The Flag of Montana Pole Flag II
The Flag of Montana Pole Flag III
The Flag of Montana Pole Flag III
The Flag of Montana V Cut
The Flag of Montana V Cut
The Emblem of Montana
The Emblem of Montana

Design and Background

The flag of Montana consists of:

  • A dark blue field, representing loyalty and justice
  • The state seal in the center, which includes:
    • Mountains and plains
    • A river and waterfall
    • A plow, representing agriculture
    • A pick and shovel, representing mining
    • The motto “Oro y Plata” (Gold and Silver)
  • The word “MONTANA” written above the seal

The seal shows both the natural beauty and the working spirit of the state.

Historical Roots of the Flag

The flag of Montana was officially adopted in 1905. The state name was added later, in 1981, to make the flag easier to recognize. The symbols come from Montana’s early days of mining, farming, and settlement.

If you want to learn more about frontier life and western expansion, you can also read our Montana country history page.

Meaning of the Colors and Symbols

Each part of the Montana state flag has a clear meaning:

  • The mountains and river represent natural beauty
  • The plow represents farming and agriculture
  • The pick and shovel represent mining and industry
  • The blue color represents loyalty and justice
  • The motto represents the state’s mineral wealth

The design strongly focuses on nature, hard work, and identity.

Use of the Flag Today

Today, the flag of Montana is used on state government buildings, in schools, and during official ceremonies and public celebrations.

The flag of Montana represents nature, hard work, and state pride.