Arkansas Flag History
Adopted: February 26, 1913 (modifications made in 1923 and 1924)
Arkansas Flag Design: A rectangular field of red, on which is placed a large white diamond, bordered by a wide band of blue. Across the diamond is the word 'Arkansas' and four blue stars, one above, three below the word. On the blue band are placed 25 stars.
Designed by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker
The Arkansas Flag: A Brief History
Provided by Mark Martin Secretary of State
Early in 1912 the Pine Bluff Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), decided to present a "stand of colors" to the U.S.S. Arkansas, a new battleship. A United States Flag, a naval battalion flag, and an Arkansas Flag were to be included.
Secretary of State Earle W. Hodges informed the committee appointed by the DAR group that Arkansas had no state flag.
The Pine Bluff Chapter immediately launched a movement to obtain one. Through the newspapers, they asked that designs be submitted to Secretary of State Hodges, who had agreed to appoint a committee.
Sixty-five separate designs were considered by Hodges’ committee. The design chosen was the work of Miss Willie Kavanaugh Hocker of Wabbaseka, a member of the Pine Bluff Chapter, DAR. The General Assembly passed a resolution on February 26, 1913, affirming the choice of the committee.
The original design submitted by Miss Hocker appeared essentially as the flag does today, except that the central white diamond contained only three blue stars, lying in a straight line from left to right.
The selection committee asked her to place the word "Arkansas" in the center of the diamond. Miss Hocker then made a new flag, adding “Arkansas” and placing two blue stars below and one above the name.
Though simple in appearance, the flag was rich in symbolism. The colors red, white, and blue signified that Arkansas was one of the United States. The diamond reminded viewers that Arkansas had the nation’s only diamond mine. The 25 white stars bordering the diamond showed that Arkansas was the 25th state to enter the union.
The three stars in the center of the flag served triple duty as historical symbols. Prior to statehood, Arkansas had belonged to three nations: Spain, France, and the United States.
The United States purchased Louisiana, which included Arkansas, in 1803, and Arkansas was the third state created out of the Louisiana Purchase.
The flag remained unchanged until 1923 when the Legislature added a fourth star to the diamond to represent the Confederacy. At first, there were two stars above the name and two below, but legislation in 1924 positioned the Confederate star above the state’s name and the original three below it.
The Arkansas History Commission has the original designs submitted for the state flag contest, including the winning entry, the first complete state flag made by Miss Hocker, and a framed portrait of Miss Hocker.
Salute To The Arkansas State Flag
"I Salute the Arkansas Flag With Its Diamond and Stars. We Pledge Our Loyalty to Thee."
Virginia Belcher Brock - Flag Salute Author
When reciting the pledge, Mrs. Brock would stand facing the flag with her right arm extended toward the flag. She would hold her palm, slightly cupped, facing skyward. Others recite the pledge to the U.S. Flag first, then move the hand from over their heart to the position described above, "presenting their heart" to the state flag.
NOT ALL ARKANSAS STATE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!
HERE'S WHY...
Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.
Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed) ★ Beautiful, brilliant colors ★ Resistant to wear and tear of sun & rain ★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.
- All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
- State flags constructed to precise specifications
- Flies in the slightest breeze
- Proudly Made in the USA
- Beautiful Presentation - This Arkansas Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.
HEAVY-DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR STATE FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD
Our most popular and versatile outdoor Arkansas flag, USA Flag Co. flags offer the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance. Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. State flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem. The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.
SOLAR SHIELD
- Rich, Vivid Colors
- Durable
- Fire-Resistant
- Mothproof
- Mildew Resistant
- Sheds Water
- Lightweight for Flyability
Add this Arkansas Flag to your cart for Immediate Delivery Now.
Source:
This brief history of the Arkansas Flag was written by Dr. John Ferguson, State Historian.
Virginia Belcher Brock - Flag Salute Author
The Arkansas Flag: A Brief History Provided by Mark Martin Secretary of State
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most common question asked in the industry and the most difficult to answer. No two flags will wear the same due to weather conditions and how often the flag is flown. Our flags offer the best stitching and highest quality materials to get your flag off to a great start.
Do not hang a flag where the wind will whip it against rough surface, such as tree branches, wires or cables or the outside of your home or building. Inspect your flags regularly for signs of wear. Repair any minor rips or tears right away this can be mended easily with a sewing machine or sewing kit. Keep the surface of the pole free of dirt, rust or corrosion that could damage or stain your flag.
We recommend that you hand-wash your flag with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. You can also use a dry cleaning service.
Exposing your flag to rain, wind, snow or high winds will shorten the life of your flag considerably. If you leave your flag exposed to the elements, it will greatly reduce the life of your flag.
Yes, as long as your pole is large enough to support the weight of the flags. The USA Flag must always fly at the top. The flag underneath should be at least one foot lower and be one size smaller than the USA Flag. Flags of other countries are not to be flown beneath the USA Flag.
If your flag is significantly faded, torn or tattered it is time to retire your flag. Your flag should be retired privately in a dignified manner. In addition, many local community organizations have flag disposal centers that will dispose of your flag for you.
