The flag of Louisiana consists of a heraldic charge called a "pelican in her piety," representing a mother pelican wounding her breast to feed her young from the blood. This symbol, emblematic of Christian charity, is to be found on the Louisiana state seal. On the flag it is depicted above a ribbon with the state motto: "Union, Justice, and Confidence." The current flag was adopted in 1912.

Historical Flags

Prior to 1861, the State of Louisiana had no official flag, though a flag similar to the modern one was often used.

In January 1861, after seceding from the United States, Louisiana unoffically used a flag based on the flag of France.

In February 1861, Louisiana officially adopted a flag with a single yellow star in a red canton, with thirteen red, white and blue stripes. This was used throughout the U.S. Civil War, though the Pelican flag and Flag of January 1861 remained in use unofficially.