Massachusetts State Flags

History of the Massachusetts State Flag

The Massachusetts state flag consists of a blue field with the state's coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms features a Native American holding a bow and arrow, with a white star above his head. There is also an oak tree and a sword, representing the state's military history and its strength. The flag also includes the Latin phrase "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem," which translates to "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."

The current design of the Massachusetts state flag was officially adopted in 1971, but the coat of arms depicted on the flag has a much longer history. It was originally designed in 1775 and has undergone several revisions over the years. The current version of the coat of arms was adopted in 1898 and features several changes from the original design, including the addition of the white star above the Native American's head and the Latin motto.