Marie Watkins Oliver (1854-1944) Inducted - Monday, April 15, 2024 Sculptor: Sabra Tull Meyer Speaker: Dean Plocher Where is Marie Watkins Oliver in the Hall of Famous Missourians? Marie Watkins Oliver, hailed as the "Betsy Ross of Missouri," played a pivotal role in crafting the Missouri State Flag. In 1908, Oliver, the wife of Senator Robert Burett Oliver and a resident of Cape Girardeau, headed the committee formed by the Daughters of the American Revolution and took on the challenge of creating an official state flag. Her determination led her to correspond with secretaries of state nationwide to gather insights into flag designs. Her resulting masterpiece integrated red, white, and blue, symbolizing Missouri's federal ties while embodying local autonomy and self-governance. The central coat-of-arms denoted Missouri's geographical significance, while twenty-four stars on the blue band marked its place as the twenty-fourth state in the Union. Each color carried profound meaning: blue for vigilance, permanency, and justice; red for valor; and white for purity. Despite setbacks, such as the loss of her original flag in a fire, Oliver's resilience triumphed. Following numerous attempts to secure legislative approval, the Oliver Flag was officially adopted as the state flag on March 22, 1913. Her enduring contributions to Missouri's heritage endure, honoring her as a dedicated leader and activist, having served as the State Regent of the Nancy Hunter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1910 to 1912 Today, the silk flag she crafted stands proudly in Jefferson City, serving as a timeless testament to Oliver's lasting legacy.