Flag of New York facts for kids

The term Flag of New York usually refers to two important flags related to New York. It can mean the official flag of the State of New York, which is one of the 50 states in the United States. It can also refer to the flag of New York City, a very large and famous city within the State of New York. Both flags have unique designs and symbols that tell stories about New York's history and values.

The New York State Flag

The official flag of the State of New York is a striking design. It features the coat of arms of New York placed right in the center of a deep blue background. This blue color is often called "Continental Blue." The flag was officially adopted on April 2, 1901.

Symbols on the State Flag

The coat of arms on the state flag is full of interesting symbols. It shows a shield with a sun rising over mountains and water. This scene represents New York's beautiful landscapes, including the Hudson River and its mountains.

On the left side of the shield stands Liberty. She holds a pole with a Phrygian cap on top, which is a symbol of freedom. At her feet, a crown lies, showing that New York broke away from the British monarchy.

On the right side of the shield is Justice. She wears a blindfold, meaning fairness to everyone. She holds a sword and a scale, which are symbols of law and order.

Above the shield, an eagle sits on a globe, representing the United States. Below the shield, a white ribbon displays the state motto: "Excelsior." This Latin word means "Ever Upward" or "Still Higher," encouraging progress and ambition.

History of the State Flag

The design of the New York State flag has a long history. The basic elements of the coat of arms were first used during the American Revolutionary War. They appeared on official documents and seals. The blue background was added later. The current design was formally adopted in 1901. It has remained unchanged since then, proudly representing the state.

The New York City Flag

The flag of New York City is also very distinctive. It has three vertical stripes of blue, white, and orange. These colors are arranged from left to right: blue, then white, then orange. In the center of the white stripe is the official city seal.

Symbols on the City Flag

The colors of the New York City flag are a nod to its early history. Blue, white, and orange were the colors of the flag of the Dutch Republic. The Dutch were the first European settlers in New York, originally calling it New Amsterdam.

The city seal in the middle of the flag contains several symbols:

• A beaver represents the early fur trade, which was very important to the city's growth.
• A windmill reminds us of the Dutch settlers and their farming practices.
• Two sailors, one a Dutch sailor and one a Native American, show the diverse people who built the city.
• Barrels of flour represent the city's early industry and trade.
• An eagle sits above the seal, symbolizing the United States.
• The date "1625" is also on the seal. This marks the year that New Amsterdam was founded.

History of the City Flag

The current design of the New York City flag was officially adopted on June 24, 1915. It was created to honor the city's Dutch heritage and its long history. Before this flag, New York City used different flags. The 1915 design brought together the historical colors and symbols that are still used today. It is a symbol of the city's rich past and its diverse population.