Wisconsin State Flags

History of the Wisconsin State Flag

The current design of the Wisconsin state flag was adopted in 1913. It features a blue field with the state coat of arms in the center, surrounded by a ring of 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies. Above the coat of arms is the state motto, "Forward." The coat of arms includes a plow, a pick and a shovel, representing agriculture and mining, and an arm and hammer, representing manufacturing. A sailor and miner supporting the shield, a cornucopia, a badger, and a stack of lead ingots representing the state's lead mining industry. The flag's design was updated in 1979 to use a more authentic shade of blue.