New York State Flags

History of the New York State Flag

The flag of the state of New York features a blue field with the state's coat of arms. The coat of arms consists of a shield with a sailing ship and the Hudson River Valley in the background, a sun rising over the Palisades, and two figures representing Justice and Liberty. The state motto, "Excelsior," which means "Ever Upward," is displayed on a banner below the shield.

The current design of the flag was adopted in 1901, but the state has had a number of different flags throughout its history. The first official flag of New York was adopted in 1778, shortly after the state declared its independence from Great Britain. This flag featured a blue field with the state's coat of arms, which included a ship, a beaver, and a tree.

The design of the flag has undergone several changes since 1778, with the most significant changes occurring in the early 20th century. In 1901, the state adopted a new coat of arms and flag design, which featured the current design of the blue field with the state's coat of arms. This design has remained unchanged since 1901.