The official state flag of Oklahoma features a blue field with a Native American warrior’s shield crossed by a peace pipe and an olive branch. The specific shade of blue on the Oklahoma flag has been the source of some uncertainty over the years. In this article, we’ll examine the history of the Oklahoma state flag, look at the various shades of blue that have been used, and determine the exact color blue that is officially designated for the flag.
History of the Oklahoma State Flag
The Oklahoma state flag was adopted in 1925, when the state was just 18 years old. A contest was held to design a state flag, and the winning submission was created by Louise Funk Fluke, who modeled the flag after the state seal. The original specifications called for a colonial blue field, but no specific blue shade was designated.
In 1941, the Oklahoma Legislature added some specifications about the flag’s colors, requiring that the blue field match the shade of “old blue” used on the American flag. However, since shades of blue on American flags varied widely at the time, this did not provide much clarity.
It wasn’t until 1988 that a more exact specification was made for the Oklahoma flag’s blue color. The Oklahoma Legislature voted to define the blue used as Pantone Matching System (PMS) 288, a bright azure blue. However, some flags continued to be made with various darker shades of blue.
In 2006, the Legislature voted to again specify the blue color, this time reverting to a darker blue – PMS 289, also known as “Lone star blue.” This shade of navy blue was thought to be closer to Louise Fluke’s original design. The 2006 change also defined specific shades of red, yellow, brown, and black to be used on other parts of the flag.
Shades of Blue Used on Oklahoma Flags
Over the history of Oklahoma’s flag, several different shades of blue have appeared:
Colonial Blue – The original 1925 flag specifications just called for a “colonial blue,” a medium-dark blue popular in early American flags. Without a specific shade defined, colonial blue flags used various darker blues.
PMS 288 Bright Azure Blue – In 1988, the Legislature specified the bright azure blue PMS 288 for the Oklahoma flag. Flags made during this period were a much lighter, vibrant blue.
Varied Dark Blues – Some flags continued to use darker blues, against the brighter official 1988 specifications. These unofficial flags used navy, ultramarine or other dark shades.
PMS 289 Lone Star Blue – In 2006, the official blue was changed to the darker PMS 289 Lone star blue, close to original colonial blues. Modern Oklahoma flags use this deep, rich navy blue.
| Blue Shade | Color Code |
|---|---|
| Colonial Blue | No exact code specified originally |
| PMS 288 Bright Azure Blue | R=0 G=85 B=115 |
| PMS 289 Lone Star Blue | R=0 G=43 B=91 |
This table summarizes the different official and unofficial shades of blue used on Oklahoma flags over the years.
The Official Blue for Oklahoma’s Flag
So what is the exact official color blue for Oklahoma’s current state flag?
According to state law, it is Pantone Matching System 289, also referred to as Lone Star blue. The RGB color code for PMS 289 blue is R=0, G=43, B=91.
This deep, rich navy blue was designated in a 2006 update to the flag specifications in order to match the original colonial blue intent of flag designer Louise Fluke. Flags made since 2006 use PMS 289 blue for the field behind the central emblem.
Using the specific Pantone Matching System code ensures consistency in production of Oklahoma flags from different manufacturers. Flags, banners, graphics, and other items meant to match the official state flag should use PMS 289 blue to be considered accurate representations.
Through statutory guidelines established in 2006, Oklahoma ended the uncertainty about the flag’s blue color that had existed throughout the state’s history. We now know that the official color blue for the Oklahoma flag is Pantone 289, Lone Star blue.
Significance of the Flag’s Blue Color
The shade of blue on a flag carries meaning. Dark blue evokes a feeling of authority and professionalism. Lighter blues convey openness, peace, calm, and optimism.
For Oklahoma, a deep, navy PMS 289 blue communicates stability, integrity, and justice. This dark blue projects professionalism and reliability for the state.
At the same time, the tranquility of blue hints at Oklahoma’s diverse geography – serene lakes, clear skies, and enduring landscapes. While bold and authoritative, PMS 289 blue also retains an air of serenity fitting for the state known as the home of both pioneering cowboys and expansive natural beauty.
The specificity of the blue on Oklahoma’s flag reflects the pride and care Okies have for their home state. Just as the flag’s central emblem pays tribute to Oklahoma’s Native American heritage, the tone of its background blue honors the stability and resilience of a young state making history.
How to Match PMS 289 Blue
To match the official Oklahoma flag blue exactly, look for the following specifications:
– Pantone Matching System: PMS 289
– Also called: Lone Star blue
– RGB color code: R=0, G=43, B=91
– Hex code: #002B5B
When purchasing fabric for making Oklahoma flags, look for fabric swatches labeled as PMS or Pantone 289. Graphics programs like Adobe Illustrator also include the specific PMS colors for matching. For printing, a CMYK approximation would be C=100, M=90, Y=16, K=18.
Online color matching tools are also handy for matching the Lone Star blue visually. When held beside an official Oklahoma flag, the blue should be identical.
With the right tools and codes, anyone can reproduce the rich, deep navy blue that is the official color for Oklahoma’s flag. Whether honoring the state’s heritage or showing Oklahoma pride, using the correct Pantone 289 blue will make sure your depiction is accurate.
Conclusion
The specific blue hue of Oklahoma’s state flag has an interesting history that parallels the young state’s quest for identity. After periods of variation and uncertainty, Oklahoma leaders ultimately chose the navy PMS 289 blue for its ties to the flag’s origins and its projection of stability. Today, Oklahoma flags uniformly fly a bold Lone Star blue, inviting everyone to salute the state’s pillars of justice, determination, and natural grandeur. By honoring design specifications, Oklahoma citizens uphold the integrity of a flag that represents the spirit of their home.