ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - On October 17, 1879, Governor Alfred Colquitt approved Georgia’s first ever official state flag, establishing a design that would serve as the foundation for the Peach State’s flag for decades to come.

Colquitt signed legislation adopting a flag that featured a blue stripe running vertically on the left side, with red and white stripes running horizontally on the right side. The design was notably simpler than today’s version, lacking the additional elements that would be added in later years.

The timing of the flag’s adoption was driven by practical necessity. Just one day before Colquitt’s approval, Georgia had passed a law requiring every volunteer army unit in the state to carry the official state flag. To comply with this mandate, state leaders needed to agree on an official design.

The Georgia flag recognized today was adopted in the early 2000s and builds upon the original 1879 design. While maintaining the same red and white stripes, the current flag adds 13 stars symbolizing Georgia’s status as one of the original 13 colonies, along with the state’s coat of arms.

The evolution from the simple 1879 design to today’s more detailed flag reflects Georgia’s ongoing effort to represent its historical significance and identity through official state symbols.

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