In 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to join the Union, and it authorized its first State Flag in 1799- the State Coat of Arms on a deep “Old Glory” blue field. On it, are two black horses supporting the shield, and on top of it a bald American eagle, representing the states’ absolute loyalty to the Union. The shield itself pictures a ship (represents commerce), a plow (rich natural resources), and three sheaves of wheat (agricultural fertility).
Below the shield is a corn stalk crossed with an olive branch, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Below them, a red ribbon reads the state motto “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma state flag was inspired by its original Native American residents. The flag, designed by a Louise Funk Fluke, features an Osage warrior's buffalo-skin shield with seven eagle feathers hanging from it. In front of the shield is an olive branch crossed be a peace pipe laying. This seems to symbolize peace between Europeans and Native Americans; although some say the shield denotes that Oklahoma is willing to defend itself if challenged.
The six small white (sometimes red) crosses represent stars that symbolize the high ideals of Native American cultures. The shield is centered on a blue background, the color burrowed from the flag carried by Choctaw soldiers during the Civil War. The flag was officially adopted in 1925, and the state name in white letters was added to the bottom in 1941.
Oregon
Adopted in 1925, Oregon has the only U.S. state flag with a different design on each side. While both sides are navy blue with a gold design, one side shows the state seal, while the reverse side features a beaver, the state animal, and a symbol of Orgon's long history of beaver trapping and trading The top front of the flag proudly displays the words “State of Oregon.” Below it lay the heart-shaped shield surrounded by 33 stars. The stars and date (below it) denote Oregon as the 33rd state to join the Union in 1859.
At the crest of the shield is the American bald eagle, and below it, the state shield picturing a rising sun, mountains, forests, and a wagon at its forefront. In the background there two ships sailing the Pacific Ocean- a British ship departing and an American trade vessel arriving- symbolizing commerce and the emergence of the United States as a new power. In addition, there's a sheath, a plow and a pickax appear beneath a banner with the words “The Union.”
Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to join the Union, and it took the state over 100 years to formally adopt a state flag (in 1897). Although the flag’s main feature, the golden anchor, became the official seal in the mid-1600s. On a white field is the gold anchor, encircled by 13 gold stars representing the 13 original colonies. Beneath the anchor is the state motto “Hope” in gold letters on a blue ribbon. The stars and anchor are outlined in the same hue of blue. The colors were carried over from flags flown by Rhode Island regiments during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War.
In case you were wondering about the anchor, well it seems to have a double meaning: Rhode Island is an important maritime port, but the use of the word “HOPE” together with the anchor may also suggest a biblical reference containing this phrase: “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.”
South Carolina
The state flag of South Carolina is one of the most readily identifiable, thanks to its strong symbols. According to the South Carolina Legislature “The Palmetto at the center symbolizes the heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island against the British fleet on June 28, 1776.” It is said that the softwood of the palmetto helped keep the soldiers safe as they were able to absorb the force of the cannonballs launched by British ships.
To the upper left of the flag is a crescent-moon-shape, a reference to the shape of the silver emblem worn on the front of the caps of the Revolutionary war soldiers. In addition, the flag's dark blue field signifies the color of the uniforms worn by South Carolina’s soldiers during the War.