As the colonies had their flags of different kinds so the states one
by one adopted special flags and nearly all the states of the Union
now have a state flag or regimental color. In some states this emblem
is established by law, in other states by the military department or
the governor. There are a few states in which this special flag is
covered with particular devices chosen by the caprice of the donor or
the officials by whom the flag was authorized, but in all these cases,
the state arms form a part of the emblazonment. There is a general
feeling, however, that these special states flags should have no legal
recognition, and that the only flag to be thus recognized should be the
Stars and Stripes.