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The state flag of Arizona "represents the copper star of Arizona rising from a blue field in the face of a setting sun" (quote from legislation).
In 1911 a rifle team from the Arizona Territory was scheduled for a competition match in Ohio and needed a flag to represent their team. Charles Harris (the Adjutant General of the territory) quickly designed what was to become the state flag (Arizona was admitted to the Union in 1912, in 1917 the flag became the official flag of Arizona).
The 13 yellow and red "beams" or "rays" on the flag represent the sun setting over the desert and the original 13 colonies (red and yellow colors were also carried by the Spanish explorer Coronado). The center star signifies copper production (Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the country). The field of blue is the same "liberty blue" as the United States flag. Blue and "old gold" are also Arizona's official state colors.
Blue and gold on Arizona license plate - photo by Norm Russo / Plate Shack
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