Michigan State Flag

What Is the Michigan State Flag?

The Michigan state flag is the official banner representing Michigan. A dark blue field covers the entire background. The state coat of arms appears in the center with an eagle, a shield, and supporting animals.

The shield shows a man standing on a peninsula raising his hand. An elk stands on the left of the shield. A moose stands on the right. Three Latin mottos appear on ribbons around the design. Government buildings and schools across Michigan fly this flag.

Meaning of the Michigan State Flag

The flag represents Michigan's geography and values through the coat of arms. The shield depicts a man on a peninsula symbolizing Michigan's unique position surrounded by the Great Lakes. The raised hand represents peace and the willingness to defend the state.

The three mottos convey Michigan's principles. Tuebor means I will defend. E Pluribus Unum means Out of many, one. Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice means If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. These phrases emphasize defense, unity, and appreciation for Michigan's landscape.

The elk and moose represent Michigan's wildlife and natural resources. Both animals were native to Michigan when the coat of arms was designed. The eagle above symbolizes the United States and Michigan's place within the nation.

History of the Michigan State Flag

Michigan introduced its state flag in 1911. The legislature approved a design featuring the state coat of arms on blue. The coat of arms itself dated to 1835 when Michigan prepared for statehood. Lewis Cass, territorial governor, commissioned the original design.

Before 1911, Michigan used different flag designs. The Brady Flag served as an unofficial state flag from 1837. Made from white silk, it showed the coat of arms flanked by a woman and a soldier. A second flag was adopted in 1865 after Adjutant-General John Robertson proposed it and Governor Crapo authorized it. That flag displayed Michigan's coat of arms on the front and the United States coat of arms on the reverse.

The 1865 flag was first raised on July 4, 1865, during the cornerstone-laying ceremony at Gettysburg National Cemetery. It flew at governor inaugurations from the 1880s through 1910s. In 1911, Michigan standardized its current single-sided design featuring only the state coat of arms.

Previous Versions of the Michigan State Flag

1837–1865

Brady Flag

An unofficial state flag commissioned for the Brady Guard, featuring the coat of arms flanked by a woman and soldier on white silk.

1865–1911

Two-Sided Flag

Official flag showing Michigan's coat of arms on the front and the United States coat of arms on the reverse, both on a blue field.

1911–present

Current State Flag

The standardized single-sided flag featuring the state coat of arms on a dark blue field.

Symbols of the Michigan State Flag

Michigan Coat of Arms

The coat of arms dominates the flag's center. A shield shows a man standing on a peninsula with one hand raised and the other holding a long gun. The sun rises over the water behind him. This scene represents a settler or frontiersman defending Michigan's territory.

The peninsula in the image symbolizes Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Water surrounds the land on three sides. This geographic feature makes Michigan unique among U.S. states. The rising sun represents a new beginning and the promise of the frontier.

An eagle with spread wings perches atop the shield holding arrows and an olive branch. This federal eagle symbolizes the United States. The arrows represent military strength. The olive branch represents peace. The combination shows Michigan's dual commitment to defense and peaceful progress.

Elk and Moose

An elk stands on the left side of the shield. A moose stands on the right. Both animals rest on their hind legs in traditional heraldic poses. They serve as supporters, meaning they appear to hold up the shield.

Elk and moose were native to Michigan in the 1800s. Both animals represented the wilderness and natural abundance of the territory. Elk later disappeared from Michigan but have been reintroduced in limited numbers. Moose remain in the Upper Peninsula.

State Mottos

Three Latin mottos appear on ribbons. Tuebor sits on a red ribbon above the eagle and means I will defend. This motto emphasizes Michigan's commitment to protecting its territory and citizens.

E Pluribus Unum appears on a white ribbon held by the eagle. This national motto means Out of many, one. It represents unity among diverse populations and states within the nation.

Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice curves on a green ribbon at the bottom. This phrase translates to If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. It celebrates Michigan's natural beauty and distinctive geography.

Blue Field

The dark blue background covers the entire flag. Michigan chose blue to match other state flags and demonstrate loyalty to the Union. The shade resembles the blue used in the United States flag.

Blue became a common choice for state flags in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many states adopted blue backgrounds during this period. Michigan followed this pattern when it formalized its flag in 1911.

Michigan State Flag Colors

The flag uses dark blue, red, white, green, brown, yellow, and gold. Dark blue forms the field. Red, white, and green appear in the motto ribbons. Brown and yellow show in the animals and landscape elements. Gold highlights the eagle and shield details.

Michigan State Flag Facts

• Michigan adopted its current state flag in 1911
• The coat of arms dates to 1835 before statehood
• An elk and a moose serve as supporters on the coat of arms
• Three Latin mottos appear on the flag
• The Brady Flag served as an unofficial state flag from 1837
• A two-sided flag with U.S. coat of arms on reverse was used from 1865 to 1911