Year Adopted: 1927, modified 1961

The area that became Kansas was annexed to the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, although the southwestern portion was formerly Spanish and Mexican, then Republic of Texas territory annexed after the War with Mexico 1846-1848. The Kansas Territory was organized in 1854 by the U.S. Congress with the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. The Act voided the Missouri Compromise of 1820, resulting in conflicts between free state, or slavery abolitionists and pro-slavery settlers. The territory extended west into current Colorado. Governance of the Territory was initially from Fort Leavenworth, then Fort Riley. Kansas was admitted to the Union in January 1861 as the 34th state.

A state banner was first adopted in 1925, the name of the state above the state seal centered on a blue field, the seal framed by a sunflower. The sunflower was modified in 1953. The state flag was adopted in 1927, the state seal on a blue background with the sunflower state crest, including a heraldic emblem used by the US Army above the seal. The flag was first displayed at Fort Riley. The state name spelled in gold lettering was added under the seal in 1961. The seal contains a pastoral setting near Fort Riley, the Kansas river and hills, 34 white stars and the state motto "Ad Astra Per Aspera" ("To the stars, with difficulties")