Michigan State Flags

History of the Michigan State Flag

The current design of the Michigan state flag was adopted on June 26, 1911, and features the state coat of arms on a dark blue field. The coat of arms includes a bald eagle and shield representing the United States, a rising sun representing the east and the state's location in the Great Lakes region, and a man holding a gun representing the fight for freedom and statehood. The flag also includes the state motto "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam, Circumspice," which means "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

Prior to the adoption of the current flag, Michigan used a variety of flags and seals, including a design featuring a portrait of Governor Lewis Cass and an eagle on a blue field, which was used during the Mexican-American War. The first official state flag was adopted in 1865 and featured the state coat of arms on a white field. This flag was used until 1911, when the current design was adopted.