Yeah the Alabama design is pretty good. Its simple and thats important. The Mississipi flag is also (from a design perspective) pretty okayish or good. But i get the point with the Confederate Flag.
I think flag designs should be simple and because of that i would rate the Alabama flag wayyy over the Florida one. State seals on the flag should be a No-Go! :)
@@thorstenfinke2751 Alabama is terrible and way worse than Florida's but I respect your opinion. A flag should represent the state as a whole and that's what the Florida flag does and not Alabamas which is just a cross and that's it and it's a terrible design to represent a state. But then again I respect your opinion but Alabamas should be waayyy over the Florida one it's the other way around. :)
Wow, you could really just put this into a few buckets: 1) Confederate flags in varying levels of disguise 2) Seal on a Bedsheet (with text and without text) 3) eagle flags 4) ten or fifteen examples of what a state flag should look like
I love that Maryland flag. I loved when the license plates in MD used to have that design. It is sad how many states have taken simple, beautiful license plates and overdesigned them. You know Kyle, you should do a best license plates episode.
The New Mexico state flag is actually called a Zia symbol, which represents Native American belief of the 4 sacred directions. The red and yellow colors represent the Spanish heritage. Deep cultural meaning represented simply, yet can also represent the sunny climate.
If you don't like it then don't go there. simple. the people I know love it there. They love the diverse culture: the mix of American, Hispanic, and Indigenous. When I visited I was mind blown by how beautiful it was. definitely one of the coolest states in the country
@@Runistic that is true for most places in America. I live in Chicgao and its the same here. too many innocent people get killed in the crossfire here and our education system is extremely corrupt. poor education is a big part of why so many children/teenagers turn into gang members before they really know what they're getting into.
Maryland’s flag is actually simple from a design perspective even though it doesn’t seem like it on the surface. No writing, no seal (with several elements inside), just two patterns repeated. Most states are much more complex.
Maryland's flag has an ancient and serious look to it. It's classy and recognisable. Same goes for Alabama, as boring as it seams; it has a real country flag feel to it. Other than those Seal-over-blue-background flags, those are as good as having no flag at all. Who is able to distinguish all the state seals on first glance? Also the name of a state doesn't belong on a flag, as it's meant to represent the state without calling it by its name. That being said, California's flag is pretty cool, though, because of the Republic thing. Finally, Wyoming's flag with its bison would be great without the seal squeezed into it.
The whole "two-sided" thing is a pretty cool novelty...but tbh, I think it would so much better if they just used the beaver side as the flag! ...or at least make that side the 'front'
@@crazygrandma6335 nah. We know our flag is terrible. Any flag that is just the state seal is terrible. Oregon has so many opportunities for awesome flags (such as Cascadia) but we won’t update it.
Yes actually a lot of people do not know that which is actually kind of funny oh and speaking of CS flags I personally think the Mississippi state flag is much better than the states with the state seals on their flag it's just boring and basic
Being from Alaska, I'm super excited that it made the top 10. The story of the flag is really neat and it always makes me smile to think that one of the best state flags was designed by a 13 year old. Thank you Benny Benson!
I agree; the dark blue field is a nice touch; Polaris, The "Norrh Star", is a symbol, and a Direction; "North", and "Up"; while The "Big Dipper", represents the most visible stars, in Ursa Major, "The Great Bear"; and a good symbol for Alaska, "Land of The Great Bear". The "Pointer Stars", also "point, North". Simple, but says, a lot.
The Alaska flag is rad! I like the flags with constellations: New Zealand and Australia. A lot of flags feature stars and many have the sun or moon. I like the Argentina and Uruguay sun, which has a face, hehe. A lot of flags that feature moons refer to Islam. South Carolina features a moon. One of my top three state flags (with Alaska and New Mexico) I don't know if there are other flags with moons not referring to Islam
Take a look at the previous flag. It's obvious he's talking about having the state name plastered across the flag. The word Vermont is embedded in the seal.
I think this rule is a bit overstated to be honest. California's flag and Brazil's flag have lettering on them and they're both iconic. I think the rule should be the character of the flag shouldn't be defined by the lettering.
@@TheJudoJoker I still think California's flag could be refined a bit and have the text removed. People are very defensive about having the text there, but it kinda defeats the purpose of the flag. The text on the Brazilian flag isn't exactly visible. It's so small it kind of becomes the pattern of the white strip.
@@Liggliluff I'm from California and I agree, the flag would definitely be improved by removing the lettering. But we're still well ahead of all the "state seal on a blue background" flags.
I can't nail down why, but your commentary always puts me in stitches!! Well done! That said, on behalf of Colorado, I'd like to thank you for the #3 spot! Again, great commentary! I personally think ours is better than NM, but fair opinion.
I'm legit surprised you didn't mention that Marylanders often wear shirts and shorts of the flag. It's the only state flag I've seen wore as clothing on the reg. That state is REALLY proud of their flag.
New Mexico has an incredible amount to be proud of! New Mexicans are the friendliest people anywhere. Also, the most beautiful architecture (which is unique to the state) along with incredible scenery, many different cultures and so much more can be found in the land of enchantment. I only get to visit, but New Mexico is my favourite state.
I don't really know New Mexico. I've had about four drives across the state (one including a night in Las Cruces) and one week-long vacation in the north. But it's a beautiful place, and I've loved the small amount of time I spent there. In its way, it's one of the most beautiful states in the country.
Please note that in South Carolina's flag the symbol at the upper corner is not a moon but a gorget, the brass object worn during the Revolutionary War signifying the rank of an officer. In this case, it refers specifically to war hero, General Moultrie's gorget.
@@goatcheese4me Although I don't live in South Carolina I've spent a lot of time in that state, once having even lived there for several years. Natives with an historical bent are quick to point out the moon/gorget difference in their flag. However, thinking about it a bit more, and considering the positioning of the gorget in the upper corner of the flag above the palmetto, you almost have to believe the flag designers wanted it both ways. So from that standpoint, why not go with a "moon" if you want?
@@gerryfedde3040 Yep beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think the Gorget being specific to one person is kind of disingenuous and not representative of the public. The Crescent Moon however is for everyone. Love from Georgia
@@stevenyoutsey8989 Actually, you can tie the whole flag to one individual, the then colonel Moultrie charged with the defense of the major Atlantic port city of Charleston in 1776. Because he didn't have ready access to red brick, the normal material for constructing a fort at the time, Moultrie fell back on using the native sable palmetos instead. When the British invasion fleet showed up while Moultrie's defensive position was only half finished, the fort never fell because the cannon balls lobbed from the ships were harmleslly absorbed in the spongy inner wood of the palmetlo logs. With that, the British fleet turned around and didn't direct their attention to Chareston again until 1780. While there was no SC flag in 1776 as we know it today, shortly after Moultrie's win South Carolina adopted its state seal featuring a highly symbolic palmetto tree. It is from the state seal that "Moultrie's palmetto" was incorporated into South Carolina's flag in 1860 and has remained more or less unchanged through to the present day. As to the moon-like gorget's of the time, these were longstanding and common symbols of rank worn by both American and British officers. There is an easily accessible portrait on the Internet of a young George Washington wearing one. So, here's back at you with love, smiles, and best wishes from the Tar Heel State.
Pros of the SC Flag: The history The beauty It is ranked #4 Cons of the SC Flag: Only represents SC and the remaining twelve other colonies. Pros outweigh cons
The Georgia state flag is the national flag of the Confederacy with the state seal in the circle of stars. They traded one Confederate flag for another...
It was only the national flag of the confederacy for the first half of the civil war. That said I'd vote to change it if they had a poll. But what design be good for the state?
@@joesmith148 It’s just quite funny that we will hold on to memorabilia of people that fought for enslaving west african people. I personally wouldn’t want to have a vendetta against history but we are talking about the present, when we decide to openly support people that fought specifically because one of their ways of life was pin pointing a group of people that would be treated as sub human just for economical gain. Now I know that most people didn’t own slaves. And it may be that the people fighting for the confederacy did it because they lived in the south and liked their way of life (which is not a bad thing unless your way of life include enslaving a people group. Again not everyone did this. But why did they decide to fight over it? No, they weren’t MAINLY fighting over other reasons. it was mainly about slavery.)
The Arizona flag looks so beautiful flying underneath the United States flag. I agree with your list 90%. I still think Arizona’s flag and Maryland’s flag are nicer than New Mexico’s. I think New Mexico should have a thin matching red border to break up some of that yellow and then it would be pretty cool. Maybe a thin red border but not at the edge just so that the edge was still yellow but the red border was like a smaller rectangle within the flag.
(Maryland) “..it’s probably the only flag that should come with an epilepsy warning and hurts your eyes when you look at it closely...”. Then immediately cuts to a close up to prove the point! 🤪
Maryland flag is the best flag, he’s crazy. There’s a reason we put that shit on everything. Whatever doesn’t get Old Bay on it gets the flag. And some things get both.
I would love to see you rank the 50 US state capital cities. It would probably be a long video because of how much you need to mention for each of them, but it would be really cool to see which one is the best.
As a Mainer, I regret that we did not stick with our original flag design: a green pine tree in the center and a blue star in the upper corner. That was Maine's flag from 1902 - 1909. I have to agree that the subsequent... and current... design is just boring.
You can't put deep orange with some of the other colours on Arizona's flag, it clashes horribly. However, I think the New Mexico one's cute; looks like a little flower!
I would enjoy hearing your input on Mississippi’s new state flag and possibly an updated ranking! As a former Mississippian I see it as a major upgrade.
Thank you for your comment. I'll try to keep things interesting with my very limited tech and editing skills. That nevada part is about as fancy as it gets from me.
#3! I'll take it. You're right about pride for your state's flag, and that's exactly how I feel every time I see my beloved home's flag flying on the breeze.
As a big fan of vexillology, a lot of the ones you put down low are actually great flags. Alabama's is an excellent design if you're basing it off the principles of flag design.
Great video! I don’t believe I had ever looked at all 50 state flags before this. Quite interesting! I also had no idea Ohio was the only non-rectangular flag and I’ve live here my whole life. Thanks to Lav Luka for referring to your channel!
I'd be interested to hear what you think about Utah's new flag. It gets them away from the "state seal on a blue background" and looks like something more in line with some of the other Western states. As for my favorites, I've always been partial to New Mexico since I lived there, but I also really like the flags of South Carolina and Arizona. You can tell which states really lean into to the designs on their flag more than others, and of course you get Maryland and Texas there, but I've also noticed that South Carolina really likes the Palmetto design, and the three-star symbol on the Tennessee flag seems to be surprisingly effective for that.
I’m so proud Colorado’s is in the Top 3!! A lot of people here definitely wear it as a symbol of pride. I’m happy it’s a rather modern looking yet simple design. Oh and I saw Mississippi’s new design and it is very classy now. Would definitely be in the Top 10 in a revised list.
I am an Aussie and remember seeing South Carolina's flag last year and mentioning how much I liked it. I also was surprised as I would have always thought Florida when I saw a palmetto? It is still my fave of all though .
I live in South Carolina and I can tell you that Palmetto trees and Palm trees are different. Palmettos grow to be a max height of 30 feet and Palm trees to 80 feet.
I’m not going to lie I love that they got their name on it. One time in the marine corp we had to organize the flags and guess who didn’t have phones. Trying to figure out which state flags was which is hard if they didn’t have their name on it or if you’re not from around that state.
I think the Ohio flag is probably my favorite design - and I'm not even from the state. Maryland's flag is also a nice design, but it looks a bit like a Rorschach test or optical illusion. California, Colorado, Texas and Wyoming are also very nice. The states which feature their seals are a toss-up and really look like something from a courtroom. And yeah, 'Bama has the worst-looking flag.
(2 Years Later) I Don't think Alabama has the worst flag. Its simple and follows good flag design. Its so easy that a child can draw it from memory and its recognizable from a far distance. In my opinion and point of view the worst state flag is oklahoma
How is the “classyness” of Maryland’s flag questionable? It’s based off of the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore. Idk how you can get more classy than that lmao
In 4th grade I learnt the meaning behind it, it's basically meant to represent the Release of Virginia from the Tyranny of the British Empire, and it was never made to represent murder it's just a defeated tyrant with a roman Virtue representing Virginia standing triumphant atop of them.
Re: Arizona, the copper star represents the copper industry. The 5 points on the star represents 5 attributes of Arizona, copper, climate, citrus cotton and cattle.
Hey, Iove your vids, and I know this video was made a year ago, but I think you'll be happy to know Mississippi is changing their flag. I'm also a proud Arizonan and I'm happy my state flag made it to Number 2.
The Alabama flag literally follows every rule of vexillology for what constitutes a good flag. It should be in the top 5, as only about 5 follow every rule.
Woo-hoo! from NM. I was holding my breath until you got to AZ -- then I knew we had come in first. That symbol is called a Zia sun, because it was apparently the sun symbol of the Zia pueblo whose land is just northwest of Albuquerque. Sounds silly, but the unique flag was one of the many reasons I moved here a decade ago.
I’ve always loved the Tennessee state flag and was happy to see it ranked highly here. The three stars are meant to represent the three divisions; east, middle, and west, within the blue circle that represents their unity.
Your correct but the funny thing is while the design itself is not meant to represent the confederacy the fourth star inside the diamond the one above the word Arkansas is actually meant to represent the confederacy as it was added to the flag in may of 1861 when we seceded from the union.
I like how you come right out and say that, actually, a flag is just a symbol. Nice tidbit about the pelican's shape on the Louisiana flag. As a native Marylander, here's my tidbit about Maryland: It's the only state with a shield. The shield is an element within the state seal and is in the same pattern as the flag. EDIT: And of course New Mexico is rightly #1!
I'm from SC but just moved to VA. I see at least a dozen cars a day with the SC palmetto stickers and have met multiple people wearing clothing with the palmetto. I ask what part of SC they're from and they just say they like the look. It's really bizarre! I would never wear another state's flag or put it on my car just because it looks nice!
You forgot the reverse side of Oregon's flag, the beaver! Yes, the seal is lame, but two different sides is cool. The beaver is rad, Oregon should just update it to the beaver for both sides. Rhode Island is awesome because it's a square. Great design. Ohio's shape is great, too. Alaska's might be the best. So cool. I adore Maryland's flag. I own the Colorado flag (my birth state) and I love flying it. I love the design. New Mexico is perfect. Yup. I can agree with that.
I think California deserves 1 or 2 (only 2 because New Mexico is pretty good too, but not I didn’t recognize it). It has the perfect level of complexity, super distinguishable, and is classy.
Maine is one of the states that is looking to change its flag. It keeps getting struck down in the legislature, but I feel like it will go to a vote at some point. You see more of the proposed flag (which is actually our old flag from 1909) than you do of the current flag flying. The 1909 flag would have been in your top 10. Check it out!
Kansas's state motto is "Ad Astra Per Aspera" (to the stars through difficulties), and the state symbol is the sunflower. There are so many potential flag designs there it's unfortunate that it falls in the "seal on a blue background" camp.
Alabama is at least better than all the "seal on a bedsheet" flags. Basic is better than hideous.
Yeah the Alabama design is pretty good. Its simple and thats important.
The Mississipi flag is also (from a design perspective) pretty okayish or good. But i get the point with the Confederate Flag.
I think flag designs should be simple and because of that i would rate the Alabama flag wayyy over the Florida one.
State seals on the flag should be a No-Go! :)
@@thorstenfinke2751 Alabama is terrible and way worse than Florida's but I respect your opinion. A flag should represent the state as a whole and that's what the Florida flag does and not Alabamas which is just a cross and that's it and it's a terrible design to represent a state. But then again I respect your opinion but Alabamas should be waayyy over the Florida one it's the other way around. :)
Actually, I think that the flag was a former Confederate Battle flag
@Philip S Florida has a higher rate if incest than Alabama.... also the whole Red Cross on a white background comes from the old Spanish flag
Wow, you could really just put this into a few buckets:
1) Confederate flags in varying levels of disguise
2) Seal on a Bedsheet (with text and without text)
3) eagle flags
4) ten or fifteen examples of what a state flag should look like
one example of #4 is south carolina 😁
Alabama is strong 4
5) A l a b a m a
Iowa
5) Maryland
Marylanders are offended because all of our clothes have the Maryland flag on it 😂
damn right
amen, maryland flag is the superior flag.
I have a tattoo where I have the flag underneath my skin with 3d effects
RD63 that sounds sick
@@liam-hu3qx i dont like marylands, but i reapect your opionon.
Arizona's sunsets are amazing and match our beautiful flag!
We have the best sunsets in the world!!!
IKR
I love that Maryland flag. I loved when the license plates in MD used to have that design. It is sad how many states have taken simple, beautiful license plates and overdesigned them. You know Kyle, you should do a best license plates episode.
Speaking as a person from New Mexico this make me happy because no one ever says anything good about our state😂😂
Very true
Its refreshing to hear something good about nm
I had no idea how good the flag looked😂😂
As someone from Arizona, I can back this statement. No one really likes New Mexico. I go through there while traveling and the scenery is nice though!
True
Indiana's flag was so good the EU felt they had to copy it.
Lol
And Missouri lol
they have an ok flag but speaking from experience, it was horrible to live there
I know. Your telling facts
@@evr-grn idk where you were living, indiana is fkn lit
The New Mexico state flag is actually called a Zia symbol, which represents Native American belief of the 4 sacred directions. The red and yellow colors represent the Spanish heritage. Deep cultural meaning represented simply, yet can also represent the sunny climate.
To bad the state's shit, they don't call it *new Mexico* for nothing.
If you don't like it then don't go there. simple. the people I know love it there. They love the diverse culture: the mix of American, Hispanic, and Indigenous. When I visited I was mind blown by how beautiful it was. definitely one of the coolest states in the country
I Just Wish That It Was Better In Education And There Was Less Violence :(
@@priestofronaldalt New Mexico got its name before Mexico did. ~.~
@@Runistic that is true for most places in America. I live in Chicgao and its the same here. too many innocent people get killed in the crossfire here and our education system is extremely corrupt. poor education is a big part of why so many children/teenagers turn into gang members before they really know what they're getting into.
The states of the four corners:
New Mexico: 1st
Arizona: 2nd
Colorado: 3rd
Utah: 42nd
One is not like the others, do you know which one it is?
One is a seal on a bedsheet, but at least Utah has a nice looking state seal
I’m apart of the 4 corners and I was like “dang all the four corners are still in! Except Utah that was one of the worst ones.
Utah is busy fixing this
Utah read your comment and said "nuh uh"
Maryland’s flag is actually simple from a design perspective even though it doesn’t seem like it on the surface. No writing, no seal (with several elements inside), just two patterns repeated. Most states are much more complex.
It’s too busy.
@@ellenlehrman9299 Excellent response Ellen, thanks for your feedback.
@@ellenlehrman9299
it's the kind of flag i would proudly ride into battle under. Peasant tramplin' and lancing farmers kind of flag, lol.
You have no idea what the Maryland flag means. Complexity isn’t a seal and a blue background.
@@ydwatt8711 Completely missing my point, great job.
Maryland is the most unique one tbh
I'll give you that, but just WHAT were they thinking with the funky patterns and colours. I think I'm going to be sick.
As a marylander, I think its a eye sore.
mary Coleman The flag flies everywhere in MD especially in Annapolis
Maryland's flag has an ancient and serious look to it. It's classy and recognisable. Same goes for Alabama, as boring as it seams; it has a real country flag feel to it. Other than those Seal-over-blue-background flags, those are as good as having no flag at all. Who is able to distinguish all the state seals on first glance? Also the name of a state doesn't belong on a flag, as it's meant to represent the state without calling it by its name. That being said, California's flag is pretty cool, though, because of the Republic thing. Finally, Wyoming's flag with its bison would be great without the seal squeezed into it.
@@marycoleman8659 Hon, you ain't a true Marylander.
Missed out on Oregon. The sides are different. There is a beaver on the other side.
Yeah I totally missed that one. Sorry about that. But it is still pretty ugly!
@@GeographyKing lol
The whole "two-sided" thing is a pretty cool novelty...but tbh, I think it would so much better if they just used the beaver side as the flag! ...or at least make that side the 'front'
@@GeographyKing You just Insulted everyone in Oregon :(
@@crazygrandma6335 nah. We know our flag is terrible. Any flag that is just the state seal is terrible. Oregon has so many opportunities for awesome flags (such as Cascadia) but we won’t update it.
Fun fact: The GA state flag is the actual flag of the Confederate States of America. While Mississippi had that CSA battle flag.
Right? Its hilarious how almost nobody catches that
I’m kind of insulted, I think our flag looks good (born and raised Georgia boy)
@@stevenyoutsey8989 agreed
Yes actually a lot of people do not know that which is actually kind of funny oh and speaking of CS flags I personally think the Mississippi state flag is much better than the states with the state seals on their flag it's just boring and basic
Steven Youtsey I was also born and raised in Georgia
Being from Alaska, I'm super excited that it made the top 10. The story of the flag is really neat and it always makes me smile to think that one of the best state flags was designed by a 13 year old. Thank you Benny Benson!
I’m from AK too :)
I agree; the dark blue field is a nice touch; Polaris, The "Norrh Star", is a symbol, and a Direction; "North", and "Up"; while The "Big Dipper", represents the most visible stars, in Ursa Major, "The Great Bear"; and a good symbol for Alaska, "Land of The Great Bear". The "Pointer Stars", also "point, North". Simple, but says, a lot.
The Alaska flag is rad! I like the flags with constellations: New Zealand and Australia. A lot of flags feature stars and many have the sun or moon. I like the Argentina and Uruguay sun, which has a face, hehe. A lot of flags that feature moons refer to Islam. South Carolina features a moon. One of my top three state flags (with Alaska and New Mexico) I don't know if there are other flags with moons not referring to Islam
@@rodrudinger9902 Slaves escaping on the Underground Railway were told: "Follow the Drinking Gourd" (The Big Dipper). One more thing to be proud of.
This is the way to present one's opinion! Straight forward with rational explanation and lot of humor. Love it!
Geo: at least Vermont's doesnt have the word Vermont on it
Vermont's Seal: has Vermont right in the middle of it
Yup. This guy shouldn’t be critiquing anything. It’s like Trump 2.0 vocabulary.
@Kylie Matthews he meant like it doesnt have the word VERMONT plastered in white like the other flags
The state that makes up 0.19% of the United States population should get more recognition, leave it be lol.
Take a look at the previous flag. It's obvious he's talking about having the state name plastered across the flag. The word Vermont is embedded in the seal.
Im from vt cool this is the first comment i happen to read
First rule of flag: Not a single letter or number on it. Its a symbol not a sign.
If you gotta put the name of the thing your flag represents on the flag itself, it has already failed at its purpose.
I think this rule is a bit overstated to be honest. California's flag and Brazil's flag have lettering on them and they're both iconic. I think the rule should be the character of the flag shouldn't be defined by the lettering.
@@TheJudoJoker I still think California's flag could be refined a bit and have the text removed. People are very defensive about having the text there, but it kinda defeats the purpose of the flag.
The text on the Brazilian flag isn't exactly visible. It's so small it kind of becomes the pattern of the white strip.
@@Liggliluff but Brazil's municipalities have bad flags
@@Liggliluff I'm from California and I agree, the flag would definitely be improved by removing the lettering. But we're still well ahead of all the "state seal on a blue background" flags.
I can't nail down why, but your commentary always puts me in stitches!! Well done!
That said, on behalf of Colorado, I'd like to thank you for the #3 spot! Again, great commentary! I personally think ours is better than NM, but fair opinion.
Thank you! I'm glad you like the videos
Agreed, our flag is better than NM's
Nah, I Personally Think That New Mexico Deserves It’s Spot Because Of How The Symbol Ties Into Our Heritage :)
I know our green chile is better though.
I'm legit surprised you didn't mention that Marylanders often wear shirts and shorts of the flag. It's the only state flag I've seen wore as clothing on the reg. That state is REALLY proud of their flag.
AZ and HI too.
You obviously have never been to New Mexico where the Zia is used on practically EVERY business logo and SO many different clothing items and tattoos.
Not to mention the University of Maryland's hand-painted, Flag Design Football Helmet
Colorado too! I've seen everything from shirts to mugs to tattoos.
I live in Northern Virginia and must admit to a secret envy of the flag of our northern border state. It’s cool.
As a New Mexican, this is one of the few things we have to be proud of. Great flag, and the best food!
Yep!
Are flag is the most unique.
New Mexico has an incredible amount to be proud of! New Mexicans are the friendliest people anywhere. Also, the most beautiful architecture (which is unique to the state) along with incredible scenery, many different cultures and so much more can be found in the land of enchantment. I only get to visit, but New Mexico is my favourite state.
They have Hatch chiles, at least that is something.
I don't really know New Mexico. I've had about four drives across the state (one including a night in Las Cruces) and one week-long vacation in the north. But it's a beautiful place, and I've loved the small amount of time I spent there. In its way, it's one of the most beautiful states in the country.
I've always loved the Colorado flag. Very simple yet striking design.
@Juan Ramirez Anzures *number one*
It reminds me of baseball for some reason
Modern. Perhaps Bauhaus.
@@grandpm9270 yep
Agree
Please note that in South Carolina's flag the symbol at the upper corner is not a moon but a gorget, the brass object worn during the Revolutionary War signifying the rank of an officer. In this case, it refers specifically to war hero, General Moultrie's gorget.
Didn't know that. All my life I thought it was the moon.
@@goatcheese4me Although I don't live in South Carolina I've spent a lot of time in that state, once having even lived there for several years. Natives with an historical bent are quick to point out the moon/gorget difference in their flag. However, thinking about it a bit more, and considering the positioning of the gorget in the upper corner of the flag above the palmetto, you almost have to believe the flag designers wanted it both ways. So from that standpoint, why not go with a "moon" if you want?
@@gerryfedde3040 Yep beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think the Gorget being specific to one person is kind of disingenuous and not representative of the public. The Crescent Moon however is for everyone. Love from Georgia
@@stevenyoutsey8989 Actually, you can tie the whole flag to one individual, the then colonel Moultrie charged with the defense of the major Atlantic port city of Charleston in 1776. Because he didn't have ready access to red brick, the normal material for constructing a fort at the time, Moultrie fell back on using the native sable palmetos instead. When the British invasion fleet showed up while Moultrie's defensive position was only half finished, the fort never fell because the cannon balls lobbed from the ships were harmleslly absorbed in the spongy inner wood of the palmetlo logs. With that, the British fleet turned around and didn't direct their attention to Chareston again until 1780. While there was no SC flag in 1776 as we know it today, shortly after Moultrie's win South Carolina adopted its state seal featuring a highly symbolic palmetto tree. It is from the state seal that "Moultrie's palmetto" was incorporated into South Carolina's flag in 1860 and has remained more or less unchanged through to the present day. As to the moon-like gorget's of the time, these were longstanding and common symbols of rank worn by both American and British officers. There is an easily accessible portrait on the Internet of a young George Washington wearing one. So, here's back at you with love, smiles, and best wishes from the Tar Heel State.
Pros of the SC Flag:
The history
The beauty
It is ranked #4
Cons of the SC Flag:
Only represents SC and the remaining twelve other colonies.
Pros outweigh cons
The Georgia state flag is the national flag of the Confederacy with the state seal in the circle of stars. They traded one Confederate flag for another...
Funny thing about that. :)
It was only the national flag of the confederacy for the first half of the civil war. That said I'd vote to change it if they had a poll. But what design be good for the state?
Awesome, it looks great
Get over it
@@joesmith148 It’s just quite funny that we will hold on to memorabilia of people that fought for enslaving west african people. I personally wouldn’t want to have a vendetta against history but we are talking about the present, when we decide to openly support people that fought specifically because one of their ways of life was pin pointing a group of people that would be treated as sub human just for economical gain. Now I know that most people didn’t own slaves. And it may be that the people fighting for the confederacy did it because they lived in the south and liked their way of life (which is not a bad thing unless your way of life include enslaving a people group. Again not everyone did this. But why did they decide to fight over it? No, they weren’t MAINLY fighting over other reasons. it was mainly about slavery.)
When I see the Colorado flag, it always makes me think of the Chicago Cubs
Reminds me of The old NHL Colorado Rockies..
@@USA-jh7ph That was a truly great logo!
same
yeah I like the flag but it has major coorparate logo vibes
Arizona fun fact: the color of the star is designated as ‘copper’, because of Arizona’s second motto, The Copper State.
I was going to post the same thing!
Coming from a Canadian, I adore the South Carolina flag.
Simple but very good
It's the one good thing our state does
I hate saying that but your not wrong.
@@azelfdaboi5265 so true
The Arizona flag looks so beautiful flying underneath the United States flag. I agree with your list 90%. I still think Arizona’s flag and Maryland’s flag are nicer than New Mexico’s. I think New Mexico should have a thin matching red border to break up some of that yellow and then it would be pretty cool. Maybe a thin red border but not at the edge just so that the edge was still yellow but the red border was like a smaller rectangle within the flag.
Great idea!!!
Y'all all crazy. Maryland flag is so ugly i cant stand it. But other than that, yeah Arizona's is probably the prettiest.
Arizona seems like an eyesore personally. The orange in the center clashes weirdly with the red and blue
@@remysrandomcrap3267 Yeah.
@@remysrandomcrap3267 I did, yes
Notice how the top 3 were all from the 4 corners?
Yeah, I live there
Too bad utah didnt make it :(
Maybe 4 corners influenced their designs, competing, flying so close together at the survey marker.
"You should be proud of your state flag"
-continues to diss half the flags
This is great. Art created by non-artists being reviewed by a geography teacher.
(Maryland) “..it’s probably the only flag that should come with an epilepsy warning and hurts your eyes when you look at it closely...”. Then immediately cuts to a close up to prove the point! 🤪
And yet is somehow still ranked in the top 5...?!
Maryland flag is the best flag, he’s crazy. There’s a reason we put that shit on everything. Whatever doesn’t get Old Bay on it gets the flag. And some things get both.
But can we agree the Maryland borders are the biggest eyesore?
On Earth?
@Austin Martín Hernández Mumbo Mumbo Mumbo AFK...
Looks like Mississippians watched this video, they just changed the flag
They made a good choice - the new Magnolia flag is very nice.
@@twood1uis I liked pre 1894 flag better
@@twood1uis it does look like a real nice flag, easily would be in the top 10
@@jarrettlowery2802 just googled it, it does look nice.
I like the new flag but I find the part where it says “in god we trust” kinda dumb.
0:33 Mississippi
0:51 Hawaii
1:07 Alabama
1:23 Nebraska
1:33 South Dakota
1:40 Nevada
1:51 Oregon
1:59 Minnesota
2:13 Kentucky
2:25 Utah
2:40 Massachusetts
2:52 Georgia
3:05 Idaho
3:16 Wisconsin
3:27 Kansas
3:39 Maine
3:46 New Hampshire
3:55 New Jersey
4:03 Michigan
4:14 Connecticut
4:23 New York
4:36 Arkansas
4:50 North Carolina
4:59 Iowa
5:10 Illinois
5:18 North Dakota
5:28 West Virginia
5:42 Delaware
5:55 Indiana
6:08 Montana
6:22 Vermont
6:35 Virginia
6:47
Bruh and where is sc on this list?
@@user-hf3eb8lj5g it’s number four they probably forgot to put the time stamp in
Maryland is my favorite in that it’s a throw back to the Baron of Baltimore. Like it has a very regal view.
I would love to see you rank the 50 US state capital cities. It would probably be a long video because of how much you need to mention for each of them, but it would be really cool to see which one is the best.
As a Mainer, I regret that we did not stick with our original flag design: a green pine tree in the center and a blue star in the upper corner. That was Maine's flag from 1902 - 1909. I have to agree that the subsequent... and current... design is just boring.
I’m from Maine too, and I agree with you. That older design is sweet, and our current flag looks pretty generic.
Yeah the old one is nice and simple meanwhile to modern one looks ugly
I’m from New Mexico so I appreciate this video
Hello new mexican brother
Babiest Celery45 New Mexico definitely has the best flag in America!
Hello my fellow New Mexican brethrens! It makes me real happy to see some representation for our state. :)
s/o New Mexico I’m from the A. Glad to know we’re #1 at something
I really agree with Arizona and New Mexico!
You can't put deep orange with some of the other colours on Arizona's flag, it clashes horribly. However, I think the New Mexico one's cute; looks like a little flower!
@@jess5427 there is no orange on the Arizona flag, there is Copper, I live there I would know I see it every day
@@thesadslav3060 Whatever you wish to call it; it's just not for me.
@@jess5427 Alright, I'll respect that
I would have flipped AZ and NM, but both are clearly the two best flags in the nation
Colorado and Maryland are my favorites!
I would enjoy hearing your input on Mississippi’s new state flag and possibly an updated ranking! As a former Mississippian I see it as a major upgrade.
I agree that New Mexico's flag is good-looking with it's simplicity, but my favorite would have to be the California Republic flag.
Despite how much I dislike California, I'm gonna have to agree with you on that.
Maryland is the best
I have to disagree it's good but I feel like South Carolinas takes the tea but it is beautiful
@@JBa321 that means a lot since I'm a south Carolinian
@@JBa321 I agree, tied with D.C.
Dc is best
South Carolina is the best
I really like that editing when you were reviewing Nevada to represent why it was a bad flag looking very good continue what you doing
Thank you for your comment. I'll try to keep things interesting with my very limited tech and editing skills. That nevada part is about as fancy as it gets from me.
@@GeographyKing Looking good none the less
Lol
Should do a brief update of your thoughts about the new mississippi flag. I think it's gorgeous
#3! I'll take it. You're right about pride for your state's flag, and that's exactly how I feel every time I see my beloved home's flag flying on the breeze.
As a big fan of vexillology, a lot of the ones you put down low are actually great flags. Alabama's is an excellent design if you're basing it off the principles of flag design.
As someone who lives in Seattle, I do believe you were too kind in your critique of the WA flag
Had to look it up, but the stars on OH represent it being the 17th state.
and the five red / white stripes represent the 5 states of the NW territory.
ohio's flag is the best ngl
Great video! I don’t believe I had ever looked at all 50 state flags before this. Quite interesting! I also had no idea Ohio was the only non-rectangular flag and I’ve live here my whole life.
Thanks to Lav Luka for referring to your channel!
Oregon’s Flag is actually the only one that has a different image on the back
... a beaver since it's the Beaver State
New Mexico. Totally agree - individuality and simplicity.
100% agree with New Mexico. Gorgeous.
A big thank you from this Ohioan, I love our flag too! I'm satisfied with the #6 spot. Fun video, thanks!
Definitely an underrated flag
O-H
I O
@@erikb8979 👈 ☝
I love our flag too!
I'd be interested to hear what you think about Utah's new flag. It gets them away from the "state seal on a blue background" and looks like something more in line with some of the other Western states.
As for my favorites, I've always been partial to New Mexico since I lived there, but I also really like the flags of South Carolina and Arizona. You can tell which states really lean into to the designs on their flag more than others, and of course you get Maryland and Texas there, but I've also noticed that South Carolina really likes the Palmetto design, and the three-star symbol on the Tennessee flag seems to be surprisingly effective for that.
The main reason for blue backgrounds and yellow writing is because colourblind people can depict blue and yellow better than any other colour scheme
Those flags were created a hundred years before anyone cared about colorblind people.
Rank Liberia’s flags
I’m so proud Colorado’s is in the Top 3!! A lot of people here definitely wear it as a symbol of pride. I’m happy it’s a rather modern looking yet simple design.
Oh and I saw Mississippi’s new design and it is very classy now. Would definitely be in the Top 10 in a revised list.
I am an Aussie and remember seeing South Carolina's flag last year and mentioning how much I liked it. I also was surprised as I would have always thought Florida when I saw a palmetto? It is still my fave of all though .
I live in South Carolina and I can tell you that Palmetto trees and Palm trees are different. Palmettos grow to be a max height of 30 feet and Palm trees to 80 feet.
I’m not going to lie I love that they got their name on it. One time in the marine corp we had to organize the flags and guess who didn’t have phones. Trying to figure out which state flags was which is hard if they didn’t have their name on it or if you’re not from around that state.
Who knew I"d be watching some random guy on youtube roast the state flags and fucking love it. Subbed my man
Also watched some of your old stuff from 2017 and you’ve come a long way with editing, great job man. Keep it up dude
I think the Ohio flag is probably my favorite design - and I'm not even from the state. Maryland's flag is also a nice design, but it looks a bit like a Rorschach test or optical illusion. California, Colorado, Texas and Wyoming are also very nice. The states which feature their seals are a toss-up and really look like something from a courtroom. And yeah, 'Bama has the worst-looking flag.
(2 Years Later) I Don't think Alabama has the worst flag. Its simple and follows good flag design. Its so easy that a child can draw it from memory and its recognizable from a far distance. In my opinion and point of view the worst state flag is oklahoma
How is the “classyness” of Maryland’s flag questionable? It’s based off of the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore. Idk how you can get more classy than that lmao
New Mexico is full of artists and artiisans, which is bespoken by the flag.
Great list Kyle. Can't argue with Colorado or New Mexico. They are awesome.
I'd like to see where you'd rank Mississippi's new flag. I've lived here for most of my life and I'm personally very proud to fly it.
“Michigan’s flag looks like it was drawn by a 6 year old.” hahaha you’re not kidding 😆
hmm I'd like to see you do better mate lol
@@coastalbeaches7181 C I R C U M S P I C E
I used to service stores in Michigan. I ALWAYS asked the greeters, standing under the flag, what TUEBOR means ...no one could answer.
Glad Mississippi recently changed its flag. I found the new one cool - unique, simple, easy to identify from the distance.
The old one just had to go. The new one with the magnolia was a good "soft landing". Imagine what they could have come up with.
11:21 fun fact South Carolinas flag is destandardised which results in many different versions of the palmetto tree.
SC resident here. We like it, no matter how the Palmetto is depicted.
@o did not that's interesting
This is more like: Roasting Every US State Flag
Mississippi changed their flag, and it looks a whole lot better than their old one.
I went to Virgina public school and looked at the Virginia flag everyday and no one ever called out that it had a murder depicted on it 😂
In 4th grade I learnt the meaning behind it, it's basically meant to represent the Release of Virginia from the Tyranny of the British Empire, and it was never made to represent murder it's just a defeated tyrant with a roman Virtue representing Virginia standing triumphant atop of them.
@@lucyla9947 The same phrase uttered by John Wilkes Booth as he murdered President Lincoln!
Yep that phrase was on it, it was also used by Brutus after he Killed Caesar
Re: Arizona, the copper star represents the copper industry. The 5 points on the star represents 5 attributes of Arizona, copper, climate, citrus cotton and cattle.
do a video about weirdest US States panhandles & shapes of all time
*Texas Republic intensifies*
*Mountain mama intensifies*
Hey, Iove your vids, and I know this video was made a year ago, but I think you'll be happy to know Mississippi is changing their flag.
I'm also a proud Arizonan and I'm happy my state flag made it to Number 2.
The Alabama flag literally follows every rule of vexillology for what constitutes a good flag. It should be in the top 5, as only about 5 follow every rule.
1. Colorado
2. District of Columbia
3. Tennessee
4. New Mexico
5. South Carolina
6. Texas
7. Arkansas
8. Ohio
9. Mississippi
My favourites!
In my opinion, NM, TX, CO, OH, TN, DC, AZ, AK, MD, and SC, with AL and HI just messing the top 10.
@@outbackigloo6489 yeah I don't know what I was smoking when I typed this, Ohio and Texas deserve to be way higher 😂
JESSIE - We are entitled to our opinions.
@@outbackigloo6489 true my guy
Woo-hoo! from NM. I was holding my breath until you got to AZ -- then I knew we had come in first. That symbol is called a Zia sun, because it was apparently the sun symbol of the Zia pueblo whose land is just northwest of Albuquerque. Sounds silly, but the unique flag was one of the many reasons I moved here a decade ago.
Oregons state flag is actually pretty dope. I like the simplicity and the historic symbolism they used
Someone is smoking too much weed in their apartment with roomies in Portland Oregon .
@@noraayessenneh7524 I’m from Missouri, it’s called an opinion.. have you ever formed your own thoughts? Maybe give it a try sometime?
I’ve always loved the Tennessee state flag and was happy to see it ranked highly here. The three stars are meant to represent the three divisions; east, middle, and west, within the blue circle that represents their unity.
Nice list, love that Ohio made top 10. I think with tighter design, it could rival NM, which you’re right, is gorgeous.
The Arkansas flag is not based on the Confederate Flag. It has 25 stars because it was the 25th state and the other four are important to its history.
Your correct but the funny thing is while the design itself is not meant to represent the confederacy the fourth star inside the diamond the one above the word Arkansas is actually meant to represent the confederacy as it was added to the flag in may of 1861 when we seceded from the union.
Wooow Maryland wasn't first?! Not sure how to feel about this betrayal
That zoom in cracked me up tho
maryland SUCKS
it’s not a nice looking design...it’s historical and represents something important to the state, but it isn’t as good as others
I like how you come right out and say that, actually, a flag is just a symbol. Nice tidbit about the pelican's shape on the Louisiana flag. As a native Marylander, here's my tidbit about Maryland: It's the only state with a shield. The shield is an element within the state seal and is in the same pattern as the flag.
EDIT: And of course New Mexico is rightly #1!
I totally agree on your top five picks. NM is eye-catching
take a shot every time he says sone variation of ‘navy blue background with a state seal in front of it’
I'm from SC but just moved to VA. I see at least a dozen cars a day with the SC palmetto stickers and have met multiple people wearing clothing with the palmetto. I ask what part of SC they're from and they just say they like the look. It's really bizarre! I would never wear another state's flag or put it on my car just because it looks nice!
You forgot the reverse side of Oregon's flag, the beaver! Yes, the seal is lame, but two different sides is cool. The beaver is rad, Oregon should just update it to the beaver for both sides. Rhode Island is awesome because it's a square. Great design. Ohio's shape is great, too. Alaska's might be the best. So cool. I adore Maryland's flag. I own the Colorado flag (my birth state) and I love flying it. I love the design. New Mexico is perfect. Yup. I can agree with that.
to many letterings, stars, seals & eagles that look like seagulls...
fun fact: Oregon's flag has 2 different images on each of its sides. Maybe you'll like the reverse a bit more haha. fun video!
The South Carolina flag story you gave is the embodiment of the “I just think they’re neat” meme.
I think California deserves 1 or 2 (only 2 because New Mexico is pretty good too, but not I didn’t recognize it). It has the perfect level of complexity, super distinguishable, and is classy.
Mississippi's new flag has surged into the top five for me. From worst to one of the best!
1:59 Oregon has a BACKSIDE
There are plenty of asses in Oregon. In fact, the asses have spread from the others states on the west coast.
Oregon IS a backside.
I'm late, although your comment to most of the flags was hilarious, especially Virginia! 6:35😂😂
Here from OK! And you got a new subscriber!😂
I am glad you did a little research on the history of Utah.
I remember standing under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Utah is a beautiful state!
Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are the John, Paul and George of the Four Corners with Utah as our Ringo.
I spent most of the video scared for my my states flag would show up 😂😂
I just knew Arizona was going to be 1st or 2nd! 😍 what a gorgeous flag.
Maine is one of the states that is looking to change its flag. It keeps getting struck down in the legislature, but I feel like it will go to a vote at some point. You see more of the proposed flag (which is actually our old flag from 1909) than you do of the current flag flying. The 1909 flag would have been in your top 10. Check it out!
Kansas's state motto is "Ad Astra Per Aspera" (to the stars through difficulties), and the state symbol is the sunflower. There are so many potential flag designs there it's unfortunate that it falls in the "seal on a blue background" camp.