Mississippi Flag

The New Mississippi State Flag (2021)

The current Mississippi state flag, sometimes called the Magnolia flag or the “In God We Trust” flag, became official on January 11, 2021.

What the New Mississippi Flag Looks Like

• A white magnolia blossom, Mississippi’s state flower, in the center of a dark blue field
• A circle of 20 white stars around the magnolia, because Mississippi was the 20th state admitted to the Union
• A gold five-pointed star at the top of the circle honoring the Native Americans, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who first lived on the land
• The words “In God We Trust” beneath the magnolia
• Red bands on each side, separated from the blue field by thin gold lines

How Mississippi Chose a New Flag

In June 2020, the Mississippi Legislature voted to retire the 1894 state flag, and Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill on June 30, 2020. A state commission reviewed thousands of public submissions and chose the “New Magnolia” design by a team led by artist Rocky Vaughan. Mississippi voters approved it on November 3, 2020, and the Legislature made it the official state flag in January 2021.

Mississippi Flags in This Collection

New Mississippi Flag (2021–Present)

• New Mississippi Flag – Standard 3×5, 5×8 ft.
• New MS Flag – 3×5 Outdoor Nylon
• New MS Flag – 3×5 Nylon Embroidered

Old Mississippi Flag (1894–2020)

• Old Mississippi Flag – Standard
• Old Mississippi Flag – Cotton Sewn
• Old Mississippi Flag – Double Nylon Embroidered
• See all Old Mississippi Flags

History of the Mississippi State Flag

• 1861: When Mississippi left the Union in January 1861, the single white star Bonnie Blue flag was raised in Jackson. Later that month the state adopted its first official flag, the “Magnolia flag,” a white flag with a magnolia tree and a Bonnie Blue canton.
• 1894: Mississippi adopted a new flag with blue, white and red stripes and the Confederate battle flag in the canton. It flew for more than 125 years.
• 2001: In a statewide vote, Mississippians chose to keep the 1894 flag.
• 2020: The Legislature retired the 1894 flag, and voters approved the new magnolia design in November.
• 2021: The new Mississippi flag with the magnolia and “In God We Trust” became the official state flag.

Mississippi Flag FAQs

What is the current Mississippi state flag?

The current Mississippi state flag, adopted January 11, 2021, has a white magnolia blossom on a blue field, circled by 20 white stars and a gold star, with “In God We Trust” beneath it and red bands on each side.

When did Mississippi change its state flag?

The Legislature retired the 1894 flag on June 30, 2020. Voters approved the new magnolia flag on November 3, 2020, and it became official on January 11, 2021.

What flower is on the Mississippi flag?

The magnolia, Mississippi’s state flower. The magnolia is also the state tree, and Mississippi is nicknamed the Magnolia State.

Why are there 20 stars on the Mississippi flag?

Mississippi was the 20th state admitted to the Union, in 1817. The gold star at the top honors the Native Americans who first inhabited the land.

What was the old Mississippi state flag?

The old Mississippi flag, used from 1894 to 2020, had blue, white and red horizontal stripes with the Confederate battle flag in the upper corner. See our Old Mississippi Flag collection.

Do you still sell the old Mississippi flag?

Yes. We carry the 1894–2020 Mississippi flag in standard, cotton, nylon printed, nylon embroidered and double nylon embroidered versions in sizes from 2×3 to 6×10 ft.

Which Mississippi flag is best for outdoor use?

For everyday outdoor flying, choose a nylon printed or nylon embroidered flag. Standard printed polyester flags are lightweight and best for indoor display and fair weather use.