Brief History of the New York State Flag

From its humble beginnings as a Dutch colony to its status as one of the most populous and influential states in the country, New York has always been a place of great significance. And its flag has always been a reflection of that significance. Let’s take a brief look at the history of the New York flag.

The flag of the Dutch Republic was the first flag to fly over New York City. It featured a red background with a white cross in the center. This flag flew over the city from 1625 until 1664, when the colony was taken over by the English.

The second flag to fly over New York City was the English flag, also known as the St. George’s Cross. This flag featured a red cross on a white background. It flew over the city from 1664 until 1776, when the colony declared independence from England.

The third flag to fly over New York City was the Continental Colors, also known as the First Navy Ensign. This flag featured thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars in a circle in the upper left corner. It flew over the city from 1776 until 1778, when it was replaced by the current flag of New York State.

The current flag of New York State features a blue background with a white canton in the upper left corner. The canton contains fifty stars, one for each state in the Union. In the center of the canton is an emblem consisting of an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons. Above the eagle are six rays emanating from a sunburst. The rays represent New York’s six different regions: The Hudson River Valley, Lake Champlain and Adirondack regions in upstate New York; Long Island; New York City; and Westchester County.[2] Underneath the eagle is a scroll bearing the state motto: “Excelsior” (Latin for “Ever Upward”).[3] The current version of the flag was adopted on April 2, 1901.[4]

The current flag of New York State is rich with symbolism and history. From its humble beginnings as al Dutch colony to its status as one of the most populous and influential states in America, New York has always been a place of great significance—and its flag has always been a reflection of that significance.