FLAG

1898

X1942.02.01

In 1895 Colonel Harry Kessler (1844—1907) - commander of the state's National Guard - had this flag made to serve as a traveling trophy to be awarded to the most "exemplary company at the conclusion of the annual summer encampment." At the onset of the Spanish-American War three years later, the men of the First Montana Volunteers chose this flag (with the inscription added above the state steal) as their regimental colors and carried it with them to the Philippines. Upon their return in 1899, the flag was proudly displayed around the state and when, in 1905, the Montana legislature selected an official state flag, the Kessler Banner (minus the inscription) was an obvious choice to serve as its prototype. The design remained unchanged until 1981 when Rep. Mel Williams of Laurel sponsored a bill to add the word "Montana" above the state seal to help differentiate it from similar-looking state flags.