Louisiana State Flag  LA
The 18th state, admitted 1812

Flags of many nations were raised over the Louisiana Territory before Louisiana LA became a state, notably flags of the French, the Spanish, the United States and the Confederacy.  The current Louisiana state 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 a 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.  Louisiana State Flag Adopted:  1912