South Dakota State Flags

History of the South Dakota State Flag

The current South Dakota state flag was adopted in 1963. It features the state's seal, which is surrounded by a golden circle. The seal depicts a farmer plowing a field with a horse and a Native American warrior with a spear. Above the seal is a blue banner with the words "South Dakota" written in gold letters.

Before the current flag was adopted, South Dakota used a variety of different flags. One early flag featured a white field with the state seal in the center. Another flag, used in the early 1900s, featured a white field with a red cross and four blue stars. This flag was inspired by the flag of the Dakota Territory, which was the region that later became the states of North Dakota and South Dakota.