What Is Arizona’s State Flag? Meaning, History & How to Fly It

If you’ve ever driven west into Arizona at sunset, you’ve already seen the state flag come to life—whether you realized it or not.

Red and gold rays streak across the sky, a deep blue desert night settles in, and the land glows with copper tones. That exact scene is basically baked into Arizona’s state flag on purpose.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “What is Arizona’s state flag?”, you’re really asking a bigger question:

Why did Arizona choose this design—13 rays, a copper star, and that bold blue field—to represent itself to the world?

Let’s break down what the Arizona state flag looks like, what it means, how it was created, and how you can fly it proudly at home—with a little help from TidmoreFlags.com.

What Is Arizona’s State Flag? (The Short Answer)

Arizona’s state flag is divided into two bold halves:

• Top half: 13 alternating red and yellow rays
• Bottom half: A solid dark blue field
• Center: A large copper-colored star

Each part has a specific meaning:

• The 13 rays represent the original thirteen colonies and the rays of a setting western sun. Their red and yellow colors come from historic Spanish flags carried by explorers like Coronado who came through the region in the 1500s.
• The copper star in the center stands for Arizona’s role as the largest copper-producing state in the United States.
• The blue field is the same “liberty blue” as the U.S. flag and also symbolizes the Colorado River.

It’s a simple, strong design—but the story behind it goes much deeper.

A Rifle Team With No Flag: The Story Behind Arizona’s State Flag

Before Arizona even had an official state flag, it had a problem:

In 1910, the Arizona National Guard Rifle Team headed to the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. Teams from across the country were there, each marching in proudly with its own emblem or flag.

Except Arizona.

Arizona’s team was the only one without a flag.

Colonel Charles W. Harris, who commanded the team, wasn’t about to let that happen again. Working with others—including W.R. Stewart of Mesa, his wife Mae, and influential figures like Rachael Berry and Nan Hayden—he helped create a flag design just for the rifle team.

That rifle team flag had:

• Rays of red and gold on top
• A copper-colored star in the center
• A deep blue field on the bottom

Sound familiar?

That competition flag, stitched together in the early 1910s, would eventually become the official Arizona state flag.

On February 27, 1917, the Third Arizona Legislature adopted it as the state flag. Interestingly, it became law without the governor’s signature—he never officially stated why he took no action.

From a practical need on a rifle range to one of the most recognizable state flags in the country—Arizona’s flag has had quite a journey.

What Does Arizona’s State Flag Mean? (Symbolism Explained)

Let’s answer the big question directly:

What is Arizona’s state flag meaning?

Every piece of the design is packed with symbolism that reflects Arizona’s identity.

1. The 13 Red and Yellow Rays

• The 13 rays represent the thirteen original American colonies.
• They also depict the rays of a setting sun, fitting for a western state where sunsets are iconic.
• The red and yellow colors are inspired by the Spanish flags carried by explorers like Coronado, who came into the region in the 1540s.

So the rays connect:

• Early American history (the colonies),
• Southwest history (Spanish exploration), and
• Arizona’s place in the West (the setting sun).

2. The Copper Star

The large star in the center is copper-colored for a reason:

• It symbolizes Arizona’s status as the largest producer of copper in the United States.
• It highlights the state’s mining industry, which played a massive role in its economic development.

In other words, that star isn’t decorative—it’s a nod to what built a big piece of Arizona’s economy.

3. The Blue Field

The lower half of the flag is a solid dark blue field:

• It’s the same “liberty blue” used on the U.S. flag.
• It symbolizes patriotism and the bond with the United States.
• Some interpretations also connect the blue field to the Colorado River, a crucial water source in the region.

Put together, the flag says:
Western sunsets, early exploration, foundational American history, and a state rich in copper and natural resources—all under one sky.

Why Are There 13 Rays on the Arizona Flag?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and it has a simple but layered answer.

• There are 13 rays to represent the 13 original colonies that formed the United States.
• At the same time, the rays form the setting sun, pointing to Arizona’s location in the West.
• The colors of those rays—red and yellow—also pay tribute to the Spanish flags flown by early explorers.

So when someone asks, “Why are there 13 rays on the Arizona flag?”, you can say:

They represent the original thirteen colonies, the setting western sun, and the historic Spanish influence in the Arizona region.

Design & Proportions: How Is the Arizona Flag Laid Out?

From a design standpoint, Arizona’s flag is one of the most well-structured in the U.S.

• The flag’s height is 2 units, and the width is 3 units (a 2:3 ratio).
• The top half is split into 13 rays of red and gold.
• The bottom half is a solid liberty blue field, 1 unit high and 3 units wide.
• The copper star in the center is one unit high, basically filling the middle of the flag visually.

A commonly suggested full-size flag dimension is 4' x 6', with a star around 2 feet tall.

This clean geometry gives the flag a balanced, bold look that works at a distance—one reason it ranked as one of the “10 best flags on the continent” in a North American vexillology (flag study) poll.

Quick Facts: Arizona State Flag at a Glance

Here’s a simple list you can scan or reuse as a sidebar, FAQ panel, or image caption:

• Adopted: February 27, 1917
• Designer roots: Based on a rifle team flag designed by Col. Charles W. Harris and others
• Proportions: 2:3 (height:width)
• Top half: 13 alternating red and yellow rays
• Bottom half: Dark “liberty blue” field
• Center: Copper-colored star
• Symbolism:
  • 13 rays – Original 13 colonies, Western sunset, Spanish heritage
  • Red & yellow – Colors of historic Spanish flags
  • Copper star – Arizona as the largest copper-producing state
  • Blue field – Liberty blue of U.S. flag, ties to Colorado River and national identity

Can Anyone Fly the Arizona Flag?

Short answer: Yes.

There is no rule that says you must be a resident, government office, or official institution to fly the Arizona state flag.

• Arizonans use it to show state pride at homes, businesses, and events.
• Former residents and snowbirds fly it to remember their time in the state.
• Schools, civic groups, and sports fans display it at games and gatherings.
• Even people who have simply fallen in love with Arizona’s landscapes and culture sometimes fly the state flag as a tribute.

The only real expectation is respect:

• Don’t misuse or deface the flag.
• Follow standard flag etiquette when flying it with the U.S. flag (U.S. flag in the place of honor).
• Treat it as more than a decoration—it represents a state’s history, people, and story.

So if you’re wondering, “Can anyone fly the Arizona flag?”, the answer is yes—as long as you do it respectfully, you’re part of its story.

A Road Trip Moment: Seeing the Arizona Flag Come to Life

Imagine you’re driving into Arizona near dusk.

You pass the “Welcome to Arizona” sign and, just beyond it, there’s a state flag on a pole. On this evening, the sky happens to mirror the design:

• The sun is dropping low behind rugged mountains, painting the horizon with deep reds and golds—just like the rays on the flag.
• The desert floor and distant sky are taking on that deep blue that settles in after sunset.
• Rock faces and soil flash with warm, copper tones in the fading light.

You glance up at the flag and realize it’s not just a random design. The flag is a short, visual story about the place you’re driving into:

• Western sunsets
• Deep historic layers
• Natural resources
• American roots and Southwestern identity

Next time you see the Arizona flag, pause and ask yourself:
What part of Arizona’s story is most meaningful to you—its sunsets, its history, or the people who call it home?

FAQ: Arizona State Flag Meaning & Use

1. What is Arizona’s state flag meaning?

Arizona’s state flag combines history, geography, and economy in one image:

• 13 red and yellow rays: The original thirteen colonies, the rays of the setting sun, and the Spanish heritage from early exploration.
• Copper star: Arizona’s role as the largest copper-producing state in the U.S. and its mining legacy.
• Blue field: “Liberty blue” like the U.S. flag, tying Arizona to the nation and evoking the Colorado River and American ideals.

In short, the flag’s meaning is:
A western state with deep American and Spanish roots, rich in resources and proud of its place in the Union.

2. Can anyone fly the Arizona flag?

Yes. Anyone can fly the Arizona flag—residents, businesses, schools, or people outside the state who simply appreciate Arizona.

The important part is to:

• Fly it respectfully.
• Follow basic flag etiquette (especially when flying it with the U.S. flag).
• Maintain it in good condition—retire it when it becomes too worn or damaged.

3. Why are there 13 rays on the Arizona flag?

There are 13 rays on the Arizona flag to honor the thirteen original American colonies.

But the number and design do double duty:

• They form the rays of a setting western sun, representing Arizona’s place in the American West.
• Their red and yellow colors are taken from historic Spanish flags, recognizing early exploration in the area.

So the 13 rays aren’t random—they’re a visual bridge between East Coast origins, Southwestern sunsets, and Spanish exploration.

Ready to Fly the Arizona State Flag?

If Arizona’s flag has always caught your eye—or now that you know its story, means a little more—this might be the perfect time to add it to your home, office, school, or storefront.

At TidmoreFlags.com, we offer:

• Outdoor Arizona state flags in durable nylon and polyester, built for desert sun, wind, and weather.
• Indoor/presentation Arizona flags for schools, churches, government buildings, and ceremonies.
• Made in the USA options so your state pride is backed by American craftsmanship.
• Flagpoles, hardware, and U.S. + state flag combinations to complete your display.

 Shop Arizona state flags now at TidmoreFlags.com and choose the size and material that fits your space.

When you hoist that flag and watch those red and gold rays rise over the copper star and blue field, you won’t just be flying a piece of fabric—you’ll be flying a piece of Arizona’s story.