Open Flag

The American West was Officially Open with the
entry of Missouri in 1821

There are many kinds of 'OPEN' flags, but perhaps the most popular design is red, white, and blue design. In flag snob-speak it is a horizontal tri-bar: chief gules, base azure, and the center bar is argent with the English word open written in the central bar in sable in capital Roman Letters.

The neat coincidence is that its design is similar to the State Flag of Missouri. Since Missouri was the gateway state that 'OPENED' the West. Why? You might ask? Missouri was the first state completely west of the Mississippi. In wake of all other subsequent "full bodied" western states the gateway arch was constructed.