Michigan State Flag History Today

By Lawrence Bernet


Michigan, the Wolverine State, joined the union in 1837. Located in the center of the Great Lakes, Michigan is divided into two land masses known as the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan's upper peninsula to the rest of the state, spans five miles and is one of the world's longest suspension bridges.

Michigan's official flag was adopted by the Legislature in 1911. The first flag bore the picture of Stevens T. Mason, the first governor of Michigan. This portrait was present on one side of the Michigan Flag, whereas the other side was emblazoned with the coat of arms.

The current flag of Michigan was adopted on Aug. 1, 1911. The coat of arms first appeared on the flag in 1837; however, the original state flag wasn't officially adopted until 1865. The 1865 flag included the coat of arms on a blue base on the front of the flag and on the reverse side it showed the United States coat of arms. Michigan is the 26th state of the union, gaining statehood on Jan. 26, 1837.

The flag of Michigan consists of a blue base with the state coat of arms in the center.The coat of arms features a man standing on a peninsula; one hand raised in a peaceful greeting and a gun in the other hand; representing his preparedness to defend the nation. The word TUEBOR, meaning 'I Will Defend', written on the shield represents Michigan's position as a frontier state. The elk and the moose represent the state's wildlife. The state's motto: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, which means 'If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You', is written below the animals.

The eagle perched on the shield is the national bird of the US, thus, it symbolizes the final power and authority of the US over the state of Michigan. Above this is the motto of the nation, "E Pluribus Unum" or "From many, one", indicating that the Union was a product of the combination of numerous states. On the Michigan Flag, there are 3 arrows that stand for the preparedness of the country to defend and protect it. The olive branch bearing 13 olives are symbols for the 13 original colonies.

The Michigan flag has much meaning within its coat of arms. The man on the shield has his hand raised in a greeting of friendship while the rifle he holds represents the right to fight for the state. The elk and moose symbolize the state of Michigan while the eagle embodies the nation as a whole. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Michigan Flag for the future.




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