Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by Mustafa Riaz
The flags of Mississippi tell a story of history and change. From the earliest days of statehood to the present, each design reflects shifting values, politics, and identity. Whether you enjoy history, study flags, or simply want to understand your state better, you will see how every Mississippi flag connects to its time.
Mississippi has had three official state flags. Each one marked an important moment, from secession in the Civil War to the choice for unity in 2020. In this guide, you will see the designs, the meaning behind them, and how people use them today.
By the end, you will understand why these flags still matter. From the first magnolia to the Confederate symbol that sparked debate, every flag has its own story.
The Current Mississippi Flag
On January 11, 2021, Mississippi adopted its current flag, known as the In God We Trust flag. At the center, a white magnolia blossom sits inside a circle of 21 stars.
Twenty stars represent Mississippi as the twentieth state. The single gold star with a diamond pattern honors Native American heritage.
The design uses a blue vertical stripe between two gold borders on a red field. The words In God We Trust appear below the magnolia.
Did you know?
The gold star above the magnolia has a diamond pattern to honor the Choctaw Nation. Few state flags in the United States directly recognize Native American heritage.
Comparing State Flags
Mississippi’s current flag stands out for its simple and balanced design. Florida’s flag, with its diagonal cross and state seal, feels more crowded. Alabama’s plain red saltire is minimal but lacks detail. Mississippi’s magnolia and stars create a clear, recognizable image.
Another difference is timing. States such as Texas and California have kept the same flags for decades. Mississippi’s redesign in 2020 shows a conscious decision to move toward inclusivity and unity.
The History of Mississippi’s Flags
Mississippi has had three official flags, each tied to a specific era.
1. The Magnolia Flag (1861–1865)
Mississippi seceded from the Union in 1861 and adopted its first official flag. It featured a white field with a central magnolia tree, a blue canton with a single white star, and a red border with fringe.
This design symbolized independence and natural beauty. The state abandoned it after the Civil War ended in 1865. Many residents never saw it used.
Did you know?
Historians rediscovered the Magnolia Flag long after it disappeared from use.
2. The 1894 Flag (1894–2020)
In 1894, Mississippi adopted a new flag. It had three horizontal stripes of blue, white, and red, with the Confederate Battle Flag in the canton.
The design remained for more than a century, but it became a source of division. The Confederate symbol tied the flag to slavery and racism. In 2001, voters chose to keep it, but by 2020 the debate reached its peak. Following nationwide protests for racial justice, lawmakers retired it. Mississippi was the last state in the country to remove Confederate imagery from its official flag.
3. The In God We Trust Flag (2021–Present)
A commission led by Judge Reuben Anderson guided the redesign. From more than 3,000 submissions, the New Magnolia Flag was chosen. In November 2020, 73 percent of voters approved it.
The process was open to the public, and meetings were broadcast live. That transparency gave people confidence in the new design.
Did you know?
The 2021 flag was one of the most collaborative flag projects in United States history.
Mississippi’s Flags Over Time
- The 1861 Magnolia Flag was simple and tied to nature.
- The 1894 flag carried the Confederate symbol and sparked decades of controversy.
- The 2021 flag kept the magnolia but emphasized unity and inclusivity.
These changes mirror Mississippi’s path from a divided past to a more inclusive present.
Modern Use
You see the 2021 flag at government buildings, schools, sports events, and festivals. Its magnolia blossom and motto represent pride and unity.
The 1894 flag still appears in limited settings, often creating tension. Some people display it for heritage, while others see it as a symbol of division. The 1861 Magnolia Flag appears mainly in historical displays.
The 2021 flag is also part of tourism campaigns, merchandise, and branding. Businesses use its magnolia design to connect with state identity and pride.
Quick Facts: Mississippi’s Flags
- Mississippi has had three official state flags: the 1861 Magnolia Flag, the 1894 Confederate design, and the 2021 In God We Trust flag.
- The current flag highlights unity with a magnolia blossom, 21 stars, and recognition of Native American heritage.
- The 1894 flag sparked decades of controversy until its retirement in 2020.
- The 2021 flag reflects a new chapter of inclusivity and pride.
Key Takeaways
- The flags of MS (Mississippi) include three official designs: the 1861 Magnolia Flag, the 1894 Confederate-inspired flag, and the 2021 In God We Trust flag.
- The current flag, adopted in 2021, features a magnolia blossom, 21 stars, and “In God We Trust,” symbolizing unity and Mississippi’s heritage.
- The 1894 flag’s Confederate imagery sparked decades of debate, leading to its retirement in 2020 after public and legislative action.
- Mississippi’s flags reflect its complex history, from secession to modern inclusivity, and remain central to its cultural identity.
- The 2021 flag is widely used in modern contexts, from government buildings to tourism campaigns, signaling a new era for the state.
- In 2025, the Mississippi flag continues to be a strong symbol of unity, pride, and cultural representation, gaining broader recognition both nationally and internationally.
FAQs
Q: Why did Mississippi change its flag in 2020?
A: Lawmakers retired the 1894 flag because of its Confederate symbol. In 2021, voters approved the In God We Trust flag.
Q: What does the magnolia mean?
A: It represents beauty, hospitality, and resilience, values closely tied to Mississippi’s culture and heritage.
Q: Can you still buy the 1894 flag?
A: Yes, but it is sold as a historical item. Its display remains controversial.
