November Statehood Anniversaries: Five States That Joined in November

November is the busiest month on the American statehood calendar. Five states joined the Union in November, and four of them did it in a single week back in 1889. At Flag World Company, we have helped Front Range families, schools, and civic groups fly state and national flags since 1989. Our showroom sits at 1270 South Abilene St, Aurora, CO 80012. You can reach our team at 303-623-0589.

These November statehood anniversaries are a natural time to raise a state flag, whether you fly one for pride, for a classroom, or for a civic display. So this guide walks through the states that joined in November, how to fly a state flag correctly, and the state flags we carry for Colorado.

The November 1889 Statehood Rush

Four states entered the Union in a single week in November 1889. That is the fastest run of new states in American history. It traces back to the Enabling Act, which President Grover Cleveland signed on February 22, 1889. The act cleared the way for North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington to write constitutions and apply for statehood.

President Benjamin Harrison then admitted them one by one that fall:

• North Dakota — November 2, 1889, the 39th state.
• South Dakota — November 2, 1889, the 40th state.
• Montana — November 8, 1889, the 41st state.
• Washington — November 11, 1889, the 42nd state.

The Dakotas share a story worth telling. Harrison signed both proclamations on the same day, November 2. He did not want either state to claim it joined first. So the papers were shuffled before he signed, and he never looked at the order. To this day, no one knows which Dakota is truly the 39th state. North Dakota is listed first only because “North” comes before “South” alphabetically.

Oklahoma Joins in 1907

November’s statehood run did not end in 1889. Eighteen years later, Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the proclamation after the people of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories voted for statehood. That makes November the only month to welcome five states, more than any other month of the year.

For a state flag lover, that is a full month of anniversaries. It also makes a strong classroom or civic-display theme for the first half of November.

How to Fly a State Flag the Right Way

A state flag follows the U.S. Flag Code, just like the national flag. The rules are simple once you know them. So here are the basics most people ask about:

• Order — the American flag always flies in the position of honor. On a single pole, the U.S. flag goes on top, the state flag below it.
• Size — a state flag should be the same size as the U.S. flag or smaller, never larger.
• Separate poles — when flags fly on their own poles in a row, the U.S. flag takes the place of honor on its own right, and all flags should be the same size.
• Timing — display from sunrise to sunset, or light the flags to fly around the clock.

For the full rundown, see our guides to the U.S. Flag Code and flag etiquette. Getting the order right is a small act of respect that people notice.

State Flags We Carry

Flag World Company stocks a deep selection of state flags for all 50 states, including the five that joined in November. Our outdoor state flags come in durable nylon and spun polyester, built for Colorado’s sun, wind, and altitude. Every flag we sell is Made in the USA.

Here in Colorado, the state flag is our most-asked-for banner. We carry it in a full range of sizes, and you can see the whole lineup on our Colorado state flags page. Pair it with a quality outdoor American flag and a flagpole, and you have a display that holds up for years.

Looking for a territory flag or a harder-to-find state? Browse our full state and territory flags collection, or call us and we will track it down.

Custom and Bulk State Flags for Colorado Events

November anniversaries bring a wave of school, museum, and civic displays across the Front Range. We produce custom flags and banners in-house for events like these. Our work includes high-detail logo flags, durable outdoor materials, and bulk runs for institutions.

So a school marking statehood week, a museum building an exhibit, or a town hall ordering a full flag set can all start in one place. Explore our custom flags and banners, or send your details through our quote request form. For bulk, institutional, or school orders, the quote form is the fastest way to reach us. Free shipping is available on orders over $129.90 (restrictions apply).

A Series That Runs All Year

These November statehood anniversaries are one stop on a year-round calendar. Last month we marked Nevada’s statehood and October birthdays. For the bigger picture, our statehood anniversary flags guide gathers the key dates and the flags that go with them. Every month brings another set of states to celebrate.

Visit Our Aurora Showroom

Flag World Company has served Colorado since 1989. We would be glad to help you find the right state flag and fly it the correct way. So stop by, see the full range in person, and talk through your display with people who know flags.

1270 South Abilene St, Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 303-623-0589
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM · Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM · Sunday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

November Statehood Anniversaries — Common Questions

Which states became states in November?

Five states joined the Union in November. North Dakota and South Dakota both entered on November 2, 1889. Montana followed on November 8 and Washington on November 11, both in 1889. Oklahoma joined on November 16, 1907. No other month welcomed as many states.

Why don’t we know which Dakota came first?

President Harrison signed both Dakota proclamations on November 2, 1889. He had the papers shuffled first so neither state could claim it joined ahead of the other. North Dakota is listed as the 39th state only because of alphabetical order.

How do I fly a state flag with the American flag?

The U.S. flag always holds the position of honor. On one pole, fly the American flag on top and the state flag below it. On separate poles, keep every flag the same size and give the U.S. flag the place of honor. See our flag etiquette guide for more.

Do you carry flags for all 50 states?

Yes. We stock state flags for all 50 states in outdoor nylon and spun polyester, all Made in the USA. We also carry U.S. territory flags. Call 303-623-0589 if you need a specific size or a bulk order.

Can you make custom or bulk state flags for a school or event?

Yes. We produce custom flags and banners in-house for schools, museums, and civic groups across Colorado. Request a quote with your details and our team will help you plan it.

Celebrate November’s Statehood Story

November holds more statehood anniversaries than any other month, from the 1889 rush to Oklahoma in 1907. The right flag turns that history into something you can fly. So call 303-623-0589 to talk with our team, or request a quote for custom and bulk work. Serving Colorado with flags that are Made in the USA since 1989.