Nebraska is known as being one of the last states in the U.S. to officially adopt a state flag, which it finally did in 1963. Better late than never. To be fair, for decades, the good ol’ state seal on a blue background, was unofficially recognized as the state flag, as was common practice in many states back in the 19th century.
The Nebraska state seal pictures a blacksmith using a hammer and anvil symbolizing the mechanic arts, and wheat sheaves, stalks of corn, and a settler’s cabin, representing agriculture. In the background, there’s a steamboat on the Missouri River, and a train on the transcontinental railroad headed west toward the Rockies. The banner above the landscape bears the state motto: “Equality Before the Law.” Circling the seal are the words “Great Seal of the State of Nebraska” and “March 1st, 1867,” the year Nebraska was admitted into the Union.
Missouri
In 1820, Missouri was the 24th state to join the Union but for nearly a century after achieving statehood, it did not adopt an official flag. So, when they finally decided on one in 1913, they made it a point to pack it with symbolism. The flag was designed by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver, who was in part, inspired by Missouri's historic coat of arms which displayed a Bald Eagle with olive branches (peace) and arrows (war), a grizzly bear (strength and courage), and a crescent moon (bright future). On top are the words “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
The horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue are reminiscent of the state's French heritage, the coat of arms is supported by two additional grizzly bears standing on a scroll inscribed with the words “Salus populi suprema lex esto” which translates to “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” Below the scroll are the Roman numerals for 1820 all circled with a band of 24 stars denoting Missouri’s induction into the union.
Montana
Officially adopted in 1905, at first glance, the Montana state flag looks like an ad for a nature resort. The current flag is an adaptation of Colonel Harry C. Kessler's flag, head of the 1st Montana Infantry, created in 1898, to distinguish his troops from other forces during the American-Spanish war.
The seal shows are a miner’s pick and a shovel with the Great Falls of the Missouri River running nearby surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery. A ribbon beneath the mining tools displays the Spanish words “Oro y Plata” (gold and silver), the state motto, and the state's name "Montana" appears above the seal.
Nevada
The state of Nevada has had several state flags throughout its history but eventually settled for their current (and much more subtle) flag. On what is described as a 'cobalt blue' background, are several of the state's symbols: a wreath consisted of two crossed sprays of sagebrush (the state flower), with a silver star (the state metal) at the center, and the word “Nevada” positioned underneath the star in yellow.
A ribbon above the wreath contains the words “Battle Born” in recognition of the fact that Nevada gained its statehood during the Civil War.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire, named after Hampshire, England by Captain John Mason, became the ninth state to join the Union way back in 1788. Although the New Hampshire state flag has been in use since 1784, the state legislature officially adopted the flag in 1909.
The New Hampshire state flag features the State Seal on deep blue background. On the seal is the frigate Raleigh in front of the rising sun. The Raleigh is famous for being one of the first warships to carry the American flag in battle during the British in the Revolutionary War. If you look closely you'll spy a gray granite boulder near the ship, referencing the state nickname-“the Granite State". Around the frigate are the words “Seal of the State of New Hampshire” with the date “1776” below it. Encircling the seal are yellow laurel wreaths alternating with nine stars that symbolize New Hampshire as the ninth state admitted to the Union.