Michigan State Flag

Michigan State Flag

The current Michigan state flag is the third that has been approved for official use. The influence that the original design had on later flags is difficult to assess because every image of it has been lost to history, but the the modern flag of Michigan does show some clear influence from the previous design.

Colors and Symbolism of the Michigan State Flag

The state of Michigan flag has a dark blue field that displays the state's coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms features the sun rising over a lake with a man standing on the shore. The man raises one hand in a peaceful greeting, but he holds a rifle in the other. He represents the willingness of Michigan's original settlers to seek peace while also being prepared for war. The coat of arms is supported by an elk and a moose, which reflect some of the state's distinctive wildlife. It is crowned by a bald eagle, which represents the United States of America.

The flag of Michigan is unusual in that it includes three Latin mottoes. The first, "E Pluribus Unum" comes from the United States, and it can be translated as "One out of many." The coat of arms features the word "Tuebor" which means "I will defend." The bottom of the flag features the state motto of Michigan on a white banner. The Latin motto is "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice." It can be rendered in English as "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around."

History of the Flag of Michigan

The original state of Michigan flag survives only in a written description. It featured the governor's portrait on one side and the state's coat of arms along with a picture of a soldier and a lady on the other. It was replaced in 1865. The 1865 flag state's coat of arms on one side of the flag and the coat of arms of the United States on the other side.

The current Michigan state flag came into use in 1911. It has not undergone any changes since it was adopted, but the state government did authorize an official pledge to the state flag in 1972.

A short history of the Michigan State flag
In 1837, Michigan flew its first flag, and achieved statehood the same year. The seal was based on the arms of the Hudson Bay Company. The shield shows a figure on shore of Lake Michigan with the usual rising sun in the background. To support the shield is a moose, and an elk, and between them is the crest of an American eagle. This is similar to that on the arms of the United States, and the motto above the eagle is also taken from the arms of the USA. The motto under the shield is a curious one, which translates as "If you are seeking a pleasant peninsula, look around you". Only the seal was used on the first state flag, but later flags added the coat of arms on a blue background.

A short history of Michigan (The Wolverine State)
Michigan consists of two peninsulas between Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan. The French owned Michigan until 1763, when it ceded to Britain. It was part of the Indiana Territory, and in 1783 ceded to the USA. Michigan became a Territory in 1805, and achieved statehood on January 26, 1837.

Area of Michigan: 58,527 sq. miles
Capital: Lansing
Major Products: transport equipment, machinery, cement, chemicals, furniture, paper, maize, oats, livestock, tourism
State Motto: Tuebor ("I will defend")