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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Flag of Massachusetts.svg
Use Civil and state flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagReverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Proportion 3:5
Adopted July 3, 1971; 53 years ago (1971-07-03)
Flag of the Governor of Massachusetts.svg
Variant flag of Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Name Flag of the governor of Massachusetts
Design State flag in the form of a pennant
Naval Ensign of Massachusetts.svg
Variant flag of Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Name Massachusetts Ensign
Use Naval ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagReverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Adopted 1971; 54 years ago (1971)

The flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the official flag for the state of Massachusetts. Massachusetts has had official flags for special purposes since 1676. However, it did not have a main state flag until 1908.

During the American Civil War, Massachusetts volunteer groups carried a white flag with a blue seal. This was used alongside the National Colors. Two "Irish regiments" were allowed to carry a green flag with a harp symbol instead.

Today, Massachusetts has three official flags. These are the state flag, the governor's flag, and a "naval and maritime flag." Massachusetts no longer has its own navy.

The Massachusetts state flag is one of only three U.S. state flags that clearly shows a Native American person. The others are Florida and Minnesota. In 2001, a group called the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) ranked the Massachusetts flag 38th out of 72 flags for its design.

In early 2021, the governor signed a new law. This law started a process to change the state flag and its official seal. As of 2022, the new design was still being worked on. The group in charge asked for more time, until 2023.

The Massachusetts State Flag

See also: Seal of Massachusetts

The flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shows the state's coat of arms on a white background. This design is on both sides of the flag. The shield on the flag shows an Algonquian Native American person. This figure holds a bow and arrow. The arrow points downward, which means peace.

The face of the figure is based on a photo of Ojibwe chief Thomas Little Shell. A white five-pointed star is next to the figure's head. This star shows that Massachusetts is a U.S. state. A blue ribbon goes around the shield. On the ribbon is the state motto: Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem. This Latin phrase means "By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty."

Above the shield is the state's military crest. This crest shows a bent arm holding a broadsword pointing upwards. The sword reminds people that liberty was won during the American Revolutionary War. The sword is a copy of one that belonged to Myles Standish. It represents the idea that people would rather lose an arm than live without freedom.

The state flag became official in 1907. However, it was used unofficially since the American Revolutionary War. It was the flag for the Massachusetts State Navy. In 1971, an older design with a pine tree was replaced by the current design.

Trying to Change the Flag

On January 11, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed a law. This law created a group to change the state flag and seal. The goal was to finish by October 1, 2021. The new design should "faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education."

The Massachusetts Senate had already approved this law on July 28, 2020. The Special Commission on Massachusetts Flag and Seal first met in July 2021. In April 2022, the group voted to ask the state government for more time. They wanted to extend the deadline to March 31, 2023. In May 2022, the Commission suggested changing the seal, motto, and flag.

Old Flags of Massachusetts

Flags of Massachusetts
  • Red Ensign of England (Square Canton)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag The English Red Ensign was the first flag used by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was used from 1620 to 1708.

  • New England blank flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This was a different red ensign often used in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Saint George's Cross was removed for religious reasons. It was mainly used from 1634 to 1686.

  • Flag of New England under Sir Edmund Andros

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This was the personal flag of Edmund Andros. It was used as the flag of the Dominion of New England. It flew over Boston from 1686 to 1689 until the Boston Revolt.

  • Ensign of New England (St George's Cross)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This flag was used by merchant ships sailing from New England ports. It was in use from 1686 to 1775.

  • Colonial-Red-Ensign

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This flag was flown by the Province of Massachusetts Bay after the 1707 Acts of Union. The Flag of Great Britain replaced the English flag in the corner. It was used from 1708 to 1775.

  • Ensign of New England (union flag)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This is another version of the New England red ensign. It was changed to include the Union Flag. It was used from 1708 to 1775.

  • Ensign of New England (pine only)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This Flag of New England has the British symbols removed from the corner. It has been used as a flag of New England from 1775 to today.

  • An Appeal to Heaven Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This Pine Tree Flag was the first flag adopted by Massachusetts after becoming independent. It was used from 1775 to 1780 as the state flag. It was also the official Massachusetts naval flag until 1971.

  • Flag of Massachusetts (1908-1971)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag This shows the back side of the flag of Massachusetts from 1908 to 1971.

The Massachusetts Naval Flag

In April 1776, the Massachusetts State Navy chose its flag. This flag was a white field with a green pine tree. It also had the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." In 1971, the motto was removed. The flag was then named "the naval and maritime flag of the Commonwealth."

Massachusetts is one of only three states with its own flag for the sea. One is Maine, which was part of Massachusetts until 1820. The other is South Carolina. South Carolina used its navy twice. First, during the American Revolutionary War, and again during the American Civil War.

  • Naval Ensign of Massachusetts

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagThis is the current naval flag from 1971 onwards.

  • An Appeal to Heaven Flag

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagThis was the Massachusetts naval flag from 1776 to 1971.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Bandera de Massachusetts para niños

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