The Washington Territory established in 1853 was named to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington.

Adopted in 1923, the state flag was designed with a bold green background and the state seal centered on the flag. The seal was designed by Charles Talcott in 1889. It has a picture of George Washington, the first president of the United States in the center. On a circular yellow border around his likeness is "THE SEAL OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON" written in bold black letters.This is the only state flag with a green background and is also the only state flag with a picture of a president on it.