Flags of the Fifty States

Flags of the Fifty Statesis an indispensable historical referenceand a fascinating, beautiful pictorial guide to the rich history and diversity of America's fifty states. It provides a colorful way to learn about how the United States grew and prospered andshaped itself and its banners over the years. The powerful stories behind the creation of our state flags reveal a greatdeal. The forces that came to bear onwhat was ultimately chosen to becomea territory's emblem provide clear andvivid lessons about the politics, geography, economics, and conflicts of aneraand how they related to the growingUnited States. With stunning, full-color reproductionsof each flag, this book offersa thorough and eminently readableaccount of how and why each flag was designed, what the various symbolsand figures in the flags mean, andhow each flag evolved. Throughoutare interesting facts and sidebars thatanswer such questions as why Alaskais represented by the Big Dipper, whatsignificance the diamond has in theflag of Arkansas, which state featuresthe Union Jack on its flag, and whatimpact the Civil War had on designsof the state flags of the South.