New Hampshire State Flag
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
New Hampshire State Flag
New Hampshire established its state flag in 1909, featuring the state seal on a blue background. The seal shows the frigate USS Raleigh floating in Portsmouth Harbor. Nine stars surround the seal representing New Hampshire as the ninth state to ratify the Constitution.
What Is the New Hampshire State Flag?
The New Hampshire state flag is the official banner representing 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. Government buildings and schools across New Hampshire fly this flag.
Meaning of the New Hampshire State 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.
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.
History of the New Hampshire State Flag
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.
No single designer is credited with 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.
Symbols of the New Hampshire State Flag
New Hampshire State Seal
The state seal dominates the flag's center. New Hampshire adopted this seal in 1784. The frigate USS Raleigh appears in the center floating on water. The ship was built in Portsmouth in 1776 for the Continental Navy.
A granite boulder sits on the shoreline. This represents New Hampshire's granite bedrock and nickname as the Granite State. The rising sun appears behind the ship symbolizing new beginnings and the young nation.
A laurel wreath encircles the entire image. Laurel represents honor and victory. The wreath acknowledges New Hampshire's role in the American Revolution and early republic.
Nine Stars
Nine stars surround the seal. They were added in 1931. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788.
This ratification was crucial. The Constitution required nine states to approve it before taking effect. New Hampshire provided that decisive ninth vote. The stars commemorate this historical significance.
USS Raleigh
The frigate USS Raleigh appears in the seal's center. The ship was one of thirteen frigates authorized by the Continental Congress in 1775. Portsmouth shipbuilders constructed it in 1776.
The Raleigh represented New Hampshire's contribution to the Continental Navy. Shipbuilding was a major industry in Portsmouth. The ship symbolizes maritime commerce and naval strength.
Blue Field
Blue covers the entire background. This color represents Portsmouth Harbor waters where the USS Raleigh was launched. Blue also symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
The shade matches colors used in other New England state flags. New Hampshire chose blue to connect with regional and national flag traditions.
New Hampshire State Flag Colors
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.
New Hampshire State Flag Facts
- New Hampshire adopted its state flag in 1909
- The flag was modified in 1931 to add nine stars
- The state seal on the flag dates to 1784
- The USS Raleigh was built in Portsmouth in 1776
- New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution
- Dr. Maynard H. Metcalf suggested adding the nine stars
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Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and historical databases.
Official documentation on New Hampshire state symbols and flag specifications • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Historical context and flag development • Accessed: January 15, 2026
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