New York State Flags

Choose a New York flag for a home, civic building or ceremonial display by checking both the artwork and its mounting finish. New York ratified the U.S. Constitution on July 26, 1788, becoming the 11th state. Its flag reflects that state's enduring themes of liberty, justice and an upward-looking spirit.

History of the New York State Flag

The current flag places New York's coat of arms on a blue field. Liberty and Justice flank a shield with a river landscape, vessels and rising sun; an eagle stands on a globe above it. Below the shield are two mottoes: Excelsior, meaning "Ever Upward," and E pluribus unum, meaning "Out of Many, One." The current design is specified in New York State Law Section 70.

The blue field dates to 1901, but the design has not remained unchanged since then: E pluribus unum was added to the arms in 2020. Earlier examples may show only Excelsior. Choose the period you want and check the individual listing's image and description, rather than assuming every New York flag has identical artwork.

Outdoor Attachments or an Indoor Pole Hem?

The FORTISVEX 3x5-foot nylon listing specifies brass grommets. A pole hem fits over a compatible indoor pole; it is a different mounting arrangement from grommets or rope and thimbles. The 8x12-foot listing uses rope and thimbles. These are different mounting arrangements, not interchangeable finishes.

Choose hardware compatible with the selected finish and follow the pole manufacturer's flag-area and wind-load limits. A large flag is not automatically suitable for a residential bracket. Confirm the exact item's design and availability before ordering.

New York Flag Questions

How can I recognize the current arms?

Look for both Excelsior and E pluribus unum below the shield. An older one-motto design can be useful for a historical display, but it should be identified as that version.

Does gold fringe identify a different historical flag?

Fringe is a finishing detail used on some indoor flags, not a reliable indicator of the artwork's date. Check the mottoes and design separately from the mounting finish.

Is July 26 New York's statehood anniversary?

Yes. The date commemorates New York's ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. It is distinct from the flag's later design changes.