Brief History of the Massachusetts State Flag

The flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a white field emblazoned with the state’s coat of arms. The coat of arms, which can be traced back to colonial times, features a Native American warrior holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. Above his head is a blue shield with a white star in the center. On either side of the shield are an olive branch and a pine tree.

The flag was first adopted in 1971 after being chosen in a statewide contest. It has undergone several minor changes since then, but the overall design has remained largely unchanged. Today, the flag is flown with pride by residents and visitors alike. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this iconic flag.

The coat of arms on the Massachusetts flag can be traced back to colonial times. It was first used on the Seal of Massachusetts Bay Colony, which was adopted in 1629. The seal featured a Native American warrior holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. Above his head was a blue shield with a white star in the center. This star, known as the North Star, was seen as a symbol of guidance and hope. On either side of the shield were an olive branch and a pine tree.

The olive branch represented peace and the pine tree represented strength and endurance. These symbols were chosen to represent the values that the colonists hoped to find in their new home. The motto “An appealing alternative” was also included on the seal, likely in reference to the Puritans’ decision to leave England in search of religious freedom.

Over time, the seal underwent several changes. In 1776, for example, it was updated to include the date “1776” below the Native American warrior. In 1885, another change was made; this time, the motto “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem”was added above the warrior’s head, which translates to “By means of [the sword], she seeks peaceful settlement under liberty.”

In 1971, after several years without an official state flag, Massachusetts held a contest to choose a new design. The winning entry was created by Stanley Mathisen and featured the state’s coat of arms on a white field. This design was quickly adopted as the official state flag.

Today, the flag flies proudly over government buildings and homes across Massachusetts. It is often seen waving alongside Old Glory at patriotic events such as Fourth of July celebrations. Whether you’re born and raised in Massachusetts or just visiting for a short while, there’s no mistaking this beautiful flag! 

The flag of Massachusetts is steeped in history and symbolism. From its humble beginnings as part of the Seal of Massachusetts Bay Colony to its current status as one of America’s most recognizable state flags, it has flown over the Bay State for centuries. The next time you see this iconic flag waving in the wind, take a moment to appreciate all that it represents!