New Hampshire State Flags

History of the New Hampshire State Flag

The New Hampshire state flag features the state seal on a blue field. The seal depicts the frigate USS Raleigh, which was built in Portsmouth in 1776. The Raleigh was one of the first ships commissioned by the Continental Navy, and it played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. The state motto, "Live Free or Die," appears on a banner beneath the Raleigh.

The current design of the New Hampshire state flag was adopted in 1909. The flag has undergone several minor changes since then, but the basic design has remained the same.

The Raleigh is surrounded by a wreath of laurel, which represents honor and victory. The wreath is divided into three sections, representing the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Above the wreath is a five-pointed star, which represents the state's status as one of the original thirteen colonies.

The blue field of the flag represents the state's commitment to liberty and justice. The blue color is also a reference to the state's motto, "Live Free or Die," which is a call to defend the values of liberty and freedom at all costs.