Oregon

In order to accurately reflect the state of Oregon’s independent spirit, it was necessary to retain as much of their current flag as possible. The escutcheon, or heraldic shield shape, is now outlined by branches formed by nature’s engineer and Oregon’s state animal, the American Beaver. Draped across the escutcheon is a banner that reads, The Union, formerly the official state motto this adage refers to the state of Oregon’s movement to form a provisional government separate from that of the United States due to conflicting views about slavery. Below the banner are a field of 33 stars and the year 1859 which represent Oregon's admission into the nation as the 33rd state and the year which that occurred.