the majority of the states' flags share the same design pattern consisting of the state seal superimposed on a monochrome background, commonly every different shade of blue, which remains a source of criticism from vexillologists. The most recent current state flag is that of Mississippi (November 3, 2020, officially January 11, 2021), while the most recent current territorial flag is that of the Northern Mariana Islands (July 1, 1985). History Modern U.S. state flags date from the 1890s, when states wanted to have distinctive symbols at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Most U.S. state flags were designed and adopted between 1893 and World War I. According to a 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association, New Mexico has the best-designed flag of any U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canadian province, while Georgia's state flag was rated the worst design. (Georgia adopted a new flag in 2003; Nebraska's state flag, whose design was rated second worst, remains in use to date.) Current state flags Dates in parentheses denote when the current flag was adopted by the state's legislature. Current federal district flag Current inhabited territory flags Current uninhabited territory flags The U.S. national flag is the official flag for all islands, atolls, and reefs composing the United States Minor Outlying Islands. However, unofficial flags have been used for three of these nine insular areas: County flags City flags Maritime flags Ensigns National Since 1777, the national ensign of the United States has also simultaneously served as its national flag. The current version is shown below; for previous versions, please see the section Historical progression of designs above. States Other Jacks Distinctive marks Commissioning pennants Native American tribal flags Associated state flags While the countries mentioned are recognized independent nations with United Nations seats, the United States maintains and exercises jurisdictional control over the countries in defense, security, and funding grants. Historical flags American Revolutionary War Former federal flags Other states Former territories and administered areas See also Flag Day in the United States Flag desecration in the United States Flags of the U.S. states and territories North American Vexillological Association United States Flag Code References External links The History of U.S. Flags (YouTube) (Slideshow on U.S. National Flags Historical Progression) History of the flags United States History of the United States by topic United States history-related lists