Flag of Pennsylvania (US state)

The flag of the state of Pennsylvania is a powerful emblem of the state's rich history, its vital role in the founding of the United States, and its enduring values. Featuring the state coat of arms on a field of blue, the flag's design is deeply symbolic, representing the state's agricultural and industrial strength, its commitment to commerce, and the core principles of its citizens. The flag stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's legacy as the "Keystone State."

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The design of the Pennsylvania state flag is a direct representation of the state's official coat of arms.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag consists of a dark blue field, the same color as the American flag's "Old Glory" blue. In the center is the state's coat of arms, which is a complex and detailed image. The coat of arms features a shield supported by two black draft horses. The shield itself is divided into three sections:

  • A ship: Symbolizing commerce and transportation, reflecting the importance of trade for the state's economy.

  • A plow: Representing agriculture, industry, and the fertile land that was central to the state's prosperity.

  • Three sheaves of wheat: Signifying abundance and the state's bountiful harvests.

• Other Elements: Above the shield is a bald eagle, symbolizing the state's sovereignty and its loyalty to the United States. Below the shield is a ribbon with the state's motto: "VIRTUE, LIBERTY, AND INDEPENDENCE".

• Dimensions: The flag's official dimensions are in a 2:3 ratio, with the coat of arms prominently placed in the center.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The elements of the Pennsylvania flag have deep historical roots, though the flag itself was adopted much later.

• Origins of the Coat of Arms: The state's coat of arms was originally designed in 1778 by Caleb Lownes, an American artist, and was first used on official state documents and currency. Its symbols—the plow, the ship, and the sheaves of wheat—were chosen to represent the core strengths of the newly formed Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The supporting horses were added later.

• Adoption of the Flag: For many years, the state did not have a single official flag. Various regimental flags and banners were used, often featuring the coat of arms on different colored fields. The current flag, with the coat of arms on a dark blue field, was officially adopted on June 13, 1907, by an act of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This move standardized the state's banner, aligning its design with a popular and historical precedent.

• The Motto: The motto "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence" was officially added to the state seal in 1778 and has been an integral part of the flag's design since its formal adoption.

Historical Context and the State of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, known as the "Keystone State," played a central and critical role in the American Revolution. Philadelphia, its largest city, was the meeting place for the First and Second Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, making it the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The state flag's symbols reflect this rich history, with the agricultural and industrial representations alluding to the economic power that made Pennsylvania a key player in the new nation. The motto encapsulates the very ideals for which the Revolutionary War was fought.

Significance for Residents

For the people of Pennsylvania, the state flag is a profound symbol of their heritage. The coat of arms speaks to their industrious nature, their strong ties to the land, and their history as a center of commerce. The motto is a constant reminder of the fundamental values of the state's founders—a commitment to moral character, personal freedom, and national sovereignty. The flag is a source of pride, representing the state's pivotal contributions to the formation of the United States and its ongoing role as a cornerstone of the nation. It represents a state that is both a hub of industry and a bastion of historical significance.

Interesting Facts

• The horses on the coat of arms are a pair of "draft horses," symbolizing the state's strength and its dependence on hard work and labor.

• The flag's design is one of the many U.S. state flags that feature a state seal or coat of arms on a blue field, a design that is often criticized for being generic but in Pennsylvania's case, is rich with unique symbolism.

• The original shield design for the coat of arms was first drawn up on September 28, 1778, making its elements among the oldest state symbols in the nation.

• The state flag was not standardized for over a century after the United States was formed, with various unofficial versions being used until the 1907 legislative act.

• The flag is one of only a few U.S. state flags that feature a pair of animals as supporters on their coat of arms.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.