Nevada has flown four state flags, with a notable third version resulting from a mistake in legislature that went unnoticed for 60 years.
The flag was designed in 1926 by Reno museum curator, Louis Shellback III. His flag was the winning entry in a design contest sponsored by Lt. Governor Maurice J. Sullivan.
It was adopted in 1929, but the inscription of the word “Nevada” (with letters placed between the points of the star) was incorrectly described. It was noticed and updated years later and “Nevada” was moved below the star where it was originally intended.
The corrected version of the flag was approved by the governor June 8, 1991, and finally implemented in October of the same year.
The Nevada flag features a field of cobalt blue. In the canton is a variant of the state’s emblem which centers a silver five-pointed star.
Above the star is a gold banner with “Battle Born” inscribed in black. Below the star “Nevada” is inscribed also in gold and it is surrounded by two sprays of green sagebrush with gold flowers.
Nevada, natural silver resources
Note: It was the discovey of silver ore that attracted many to the area in the 1850’s
state flower, regional flora
Nevada joining the Union during the Civil War
Note: Nevada’s official state motto is “All for Our Country.”
Nevada’s flag specifications provide Pantone values for each of the flag’s five colors.
The Nevada flag can be produced with different proportions including 2:3, 3:5, or 5:8.
Nevada law specifies the proportion and spacing for the flag’s visual elements, which is rendered here.
The flag should be produced single faced, obverse side only.
Designed by Governor John Sparks and Adjutant General Harry Day, featuring 36 stars (the 36th state) and Nevada’s rich natural resources.
Designed by schoolteacher Clara Crisler and features the state coat of arms.
Schellback’s design with the letters of “Nevada” incorrectly surrounding the star.
The corrected version of the Schellback design, with “Nevada” below the star.