Flag History
Originally part of the United Mexican States, Arizona became a part of the New Mexico Territory after the Mexican War, then became its own territory and finally a separate state. The idea for a state flag arose because the Arizona rifle team realized it was the only team at national matches without a flag. Colonel Charles W. Harris, adjutant general and chief administrative officer of Arizona, designed the flag. He used four colors on the flag - Arizona's colors, blue & gold: and Spain's red and yellow, to symbolize the first white men who came to Arizona. The 13 red and yellow rays of sun stand for the first 13 states, and the copper-colored star represents Arizona's place as the largest producer of copper in the country. The blue matches that of the American flag.
Flag Adopted: 1917
State Nickname: The Grand Canyon
State Motto: God enriches
Area: 113,508 square miles
Approximate Population: 3.3 million
Capital: Phoenix
Largest City: Phoenix
Major Products: cotton, livestock, cereals, copper
State Colors: Blue and gold
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Tree: Paloverde
State Flower: Saguaro cactus blossom
