New Hampshire State Flag

The New Hampshire state flag is the official government flag of New Hampshire. A blue field covers the background. The state seal appears in the center showing a sailing ship surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Nine stars circle the wreath. The ship depicted is the frigate USS Raleigh. The seal sits on blue representing the waters of Portsmouth Harbor. Public buildings, schools, and government offices across New Hampshire fly the flag.

The flag represents New Hampshire's maritime heritage and role in American independence. The USS Raleigh symbolizes New Hampshire's shipbuilding industry. The ship was built in Portsmouth in 1776.

Nine stars mark New Hampshire as the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788. That ratification made the Constitution effective by providing the required ninth state approval, a foundational event often cited on the Granite State nickname page.

The laurel wreath represents honor and achievement. Blue symbolizes vigilance and justice. The seal connects New Hampshire to its colonial naval history and constitutional significance, while the same period identity appears in New Hampshire's state motto.

New Hampshire authorized its state flag in 1909. The legislature approved a design featuring the state seal on blue. The seal itself dated to 1784. That made it one of the oldest state seals still in use.

The 1909 flag showed the seal without surrounding elements. In 1931, the legislature modified the design. Officials added nine stars around the seal. The stars represented New Hampshire's ratification position. The 1931 version also standardized the seal's appearance and proportions, completing the look now paired with the White Birch state tree in many official symbol guides.

State records do not identify a single individual who designed the flag. The design emerged from the existing state seal. Dr. Maynard H. Metcalf suggested adding the nine stars in 1931. The state adopted his recommendation.

The flag uses blue, yellow, brown, white, and green. Blue forms the field and water. Yellow appears in the stars and sun. Brown shows in the ship and granite. White highlights the laurel wreath. Green depicts the laurel leaves.