Composition
The Michigan flag features a field of blue charged with the state coat of arms, centered.
Michigan
The current Michigan flag is the third version for the state. Descriptions of the first two flags exist, but their specific designs have been lost to history.
The first Michigan flag was notable in its depiction of Governor Stevens T. Mason. He is the only real person besides George Washington to appear on a state flag.
Michigan’s flag now follows the common pattern of a field of blue charged with the state coat of arms.
This version was officially adopted June 26, 1911.
Iconography
elk & moose
natural beauty, regional fauna
Note: The elk and moose are said to be borrowed from the Hudson’s Bay Company coat of arms.
eagle
freedom, peace, strength, the Union
armed man
peace, strong defense
motto
I will defend
motto
national unity, Out of many, one
motto
If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You
Coat of Arms
Established in 1835, the Michigan coat of arms bears resemblance to the coat of arms of the Hudson’s Bay Company, which also features an elk and moose as supports.
Colors
Only azure and white (argent) are specifically mentioned in the statute for the coat of arms. No colors are specified for the flag.
The hex values here are approximations.
Blue
#00287e
Brown
#86473f
Tan
#b37535
Red
#ef1439
Azure
#006fff
Yellow
#ffef6f
Green
#35b336
Construction
Michigan law doesn’t specify dimensions for its flag. It is usually produced with a proportion of 2:3.
Previous iterations
1837–1865
Lost to time, but as described: The first flag featured the coat of arms plus a woman and soldier. The reverse featured a portrait of Stevens T. Mason.
1837–1911
Lost to time, but as described: The woman and soldier were removed from the obverse. Mason’s portrait was removed and the U.S. coat of arms was added to the reverse.
1911–Present
The U.S. coat of arms were removed from the reverse.
Sources
- Howe, Randy. Flags of the Fifty States: Their Colorful Histories and Significance. Guilford: The Globe Pequot Press, 2002. Print.
- Mitchell, Henry. The State Arms of the Union. Boston: L. Prang & Co, 1876.
- Michigan Compiled Laws. Chapter 2. Section § 2.22 - State coat-of-arms; emblazonment.
- Flag of Michigan - Wikipedia
- Bay Mills Indian Community