One Aspect of Colorado’s State Flag was Originally Controversial

While Colorado received statehood in 1876, a century after the United States became a country which earned it the nickname, "The Centennial State," the official state flag that we all know and love wasn't established until over three decades later.

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Today, the flag can be found flying throughout the state of Colorado as well as on countless bumper stickers, pieces of art, and even tattoos.

However, just prior to its approval as a symbol of the state, Colorado's flag caused a little bit of controversy among certain people.

Colorado's State Flag + the Surprising Reason It Was Originally Controversial

Colorado's iconic state flag officially became a symbol of the state in 1911 and the four colors that make up the design are instantly recognizable, each carrying its own specific meaning related to the state.

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For example, the blue bands represent the sky, the white represents the famous snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the red represents the red rocks and earth found throughout the state, and the yellow, often referred to as gold, represents the abundant amount of sunshine received each year by the state.

However, depictions of the flag with varying sizes and shades of each of the flag's separately-colored elements caused concern with the General Assembly.

It would be 18 years before the exact colors were specified in 1929, a decision that deemed the red and blue shades to match those used on the United States flag, and the exact proportions of the blue stripes, red "C," and the golden disc would be officially established in 1964.