House Speaker Dean Plocher and the Missouri House of Representatives are proud to announce the induction of Marie Watkins Oliver into the Hall of Famous Missourians.
Marie Watkins Oliver, known as the “Betsy Ross of Missouri,” was instrumental in creating the Missouri State Flag. In 1908, as the wife of Senator Robert Burett Oliver and a resident of Cape Girardeau, she chaired the committee established by the Daughters of the American Revolution to design an official state flag.
Her design featured red, white, and blue, symbolizing Missouri’s connection to the federal government while emphasizing local sovereignty and self-governance. The central coat-of-arms highlights Missouri’s geographical importance, and the twenty-four stars on the blue band signify Missouri’s admission as the twenty-fourth state to the Union. The colors represent vigilance, permanency, and justice in blue; valor in red; and purity in white.
Despite challenges, including the destruction of her original flag in a fire, Oliver’s determination prevailed. After multiple efforts, her flag was finally adopted as the state flag on March 22, 1913. The silk flag she crafted is prominently displayed in Jefferson City, standing as a lasting symbol of Oliver’s enduring impact.
In acknowledgment of her contributions to the Show-Me State, Speaker Plocher presented a bust of Oliver as the newest member of the Hall of Famous Missourians.
“In honoring Marie Watkins Oliver’s induction into the Hall of Famous Missourians, we celebrate not just a woman of historical importance, but a visionary who stitched together the very fabric of our state’s identity,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, stated. “Like the stars on our flag, her contributions shine brightly, reminding us of the resilience and creativity that define Missouri. It is a privilege to recognize her pivotal role in shaping our history and heritage.”
