Although Washington became the 42nd state to join the Union in 1889, it did not adopt an official state flag until more than 30 years later in 1923. This design includes the State Seal centered on a field of deep green. The State Seal is composed of a bust of George Washington, the first American president, on an oriental blue background. Designed in 1889 by Charles Talcott, the seal is encircled by the words “The Seal of the State of Washington†on a yellow background with “1889†at the bottom. Since the State Seal appears on both sides of the flag, it is one of the most expensive flags to produce. The Washington State Flag is also the only flag featuring a green field and a person, much less an American president.
