Flag of Michigan

Proportions: 2:3, 3:5 or 5:8 Michigan Flag Description:
The flag of Michigan consists of a blue base with the state coat of arms in the center.

Michigan Flag Meaning:
The coat of arms features a man standing on a peninsula; one hand raised in a peaceful greeting and a gun in the other hand; representing his preparedness to defend the nation. The word TUEBOR, meaning 'I Will Defend', written on the shield represents Michigan's position as a frontier state. The elk and the moose represent the state's wildlife. The state's motto: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, which means 'If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You', is written below the animals. The eagle is America's national bird and represents the ultimate authority and jurisdiction of the United States, over Michigan. There are three arrows and an olive branch with 13 olives on it. The arrows symbolize the nation's readiness to defend its principles. The 13 olives represent the 13 original colonies which formed the United States and the olive branch represents the country's desire for peace. Above the eagle the national motto: E Pluribus Unum, which means 'From Many, One', is written. This refers to the formation of the Union from many states.

Michigan Flag History:
The current flag was adopted on Aug. 1, 1911. The coat of arms first appeared on the flag in 1837; however, the original state flag wasn't officially adopted until 1865. The 1865 flag included the coat of arms on a blue base on the front of the flag and on the reverse side it showed the United States coat of arms. Michigan is the 26th state of the union, gaining statehood on Jan. 26, 1837.

Interesting Michigan Facts:
Michigan's state nickname is the Wolverine State or the Great Lakes State.

The original state flag of 1865 is rare since it was a two sided flag.