Michigan State Flag

The Michigan state flag is the official banner of 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 offices, schools, and public sites in Michigan display this flag, with language detailed on the Michigan state motto page.

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 in line with The Wolverine State nickname.

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.

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, the same era that shaped the official Michigan state tree legacy.

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.

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.