Flag History
Flags of many nations were raised over the Louisiana Territory before Louisiana became a state, notably flags of the French, the Spanish, the United States and the Confederacy. The current flag was finally authorized in 1912, 100 years after Louisiana became a state. The blue field signifies truth, and the pelican feeding its young symbolizes the state's role as protector of its people and resources. European legend tells of a mother pelican plucking flesh from her own breast during a time of famine in order to sustain her young. Thus, on the Louisiana's state flag, the caring and generous pelican is a well known symbol.
Flag Adopted: 1912
State Nickname: The Pelican State
State Motto: Union, justice and confidence
Area: 52,453 square miles
Approximate Population: 4.2 million
Capital: Baton Rouge
Largest City: New Orleans
Major Products: oil, gas, sulfur, salt, corn, sugar cane, rice
State Bird: Pelican
State Tree: Bald Cypress
State Flower: Magnolia
