Hawaii's Flag: The Only US State Flag with a British Union Jack

Key facts

• Hawaii is one of only two US states whose flag as an independent republic became its official state flag, alongside Texas.
• The Hawaiian flag includes a British Union Jack in the top left corner, created during the War of 1812.
• Captain James Cook landed in Hawaii in January 1778, the first documented European, and named the islands the Sandwich Islands.
• Cook was killed in 1779 at age 50 during a dispute over a stolen boat.
• Captain George Vancouver made three voyages to Hawaii in 1792, 1793, and 1794, introducing sheep and cattle that led to the paniolo tradition.
• In 1794, Kamehameha and Big Island chiefs ceded the island to King George III, but Britain did not ratify the treaty.
• The official Hawaiian flag version was adopted in 1845; its designer is uncertain.
• The Paulet Affair occurred in February 1843, with Lord George Paulet raising the British flag until Rear Admiral Richard Thomas restored sovereignty in July 1843.
• The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 allowed duty-free sugar exports, and the 1887 renewal made Pearl Harbor an American naval base.
• On January 17, 1893, landowners overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy with support from 162 US Marines from the USS Boston.
• The Newlands Resolution annexed Hawaii in July 1898, and Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959.