Pennsylvania State Flag
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Pennsylvania State Flag
Pennsylvania adopted its state flag in 1907, featuring the state coat of arms on a blue field. The coat of arms shows two black horses supporting a shield. An eagle perches atop the shield. The design dates to Pennsylvania's seal created in 1777.
What Is the Pennsylvania State Flag?
The Pennsylvania state flag is the official banner representing the state of Pennsylvania. A blue field holds the state coat of arms at its center. The coat of arms features a shield supported by two black horses.
An American bald eagle sits on top of the shield. The shield displays three symbols: a ship, a plow, and three sheaves of wheat. An olive branch and cornstalk appear below the shield. A red ribbon bears the state motto Virtue, Liberty and Independence.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized the use of the coat of arms on militia flags on April 9, 1799. Flags varied in design throughout the 1800s. The legislature standardized the flag on June 13, 1907. The blue field matches the blue in the United States flag.
Meaning of the Pennsylvania State Flag
The Pennsylvania state flag meaning comes from the symbols on the coat of arms. Each element represents an aspect of Pennsylvania's economy or values during the state's founding period.
The ship stands for commerce. The plow represents agriculture. The wheat sheaves show farming prosperity. Together these symbols reflect Pennsylvania's economic foundation in the late 1700s.
History of the Pennsylvania State Flag
Pennsylvania created its state seal in 1777. The seal was officially adopted in 1791. The General Assembly authorized the use of the state coat of arms on flags for the state militia on April 9, 1799. The authorization did not specify exact colors or dimensions.
Various flag designs appeared throughout the nineteenth century. Some flags showed the coat of arms replacing the stars in the canton of the American flag. Others placed the arms alone on a blue field. The colors in the coat of arms changed in 1809. The color of the horses was not standardized until 1875.
In 1805, Danish painter Christian Gullage painted the state coat of arms on a blue banner. The banner measured four feet by two feet with gold fringe at the bottom. Different versions continued to appear with varying depictions of the coat of arms.
The legislature chose to standardize the flag for general use on June 13, 1907. The law required the blue field to match the blue in the flag of the United States. This design remains in use today with no changes to the basic layout.
Symbols of the Pennsylvania State Flag
Pennsylvania State Flag Horses
Two black horses stand on either side of the shield. The horses act as supporters holding up the coat of arms. They wear harnesses.
The horses represent strength and labor. The color black was standardized in 1875 after years of variation. The horses in harness symbolize the agricultural work essential to Pennsylvania's economy.
Pennsylvania State Flag Eagle
An American bald eagle perches atop the shield. Wings spread, the eagle faces forward. It represents the United States and Pennsylvania's allegiance to the nation.
The eagle connects Pennsylvania to federal authority. It appeared on the original state seal created in 1777.
Pennsylvania State Flag Ship
A sailing ship appears on the left section of the shield. The ship represents commerce and trade. Philadelphia was a major port city during Pennsylvania's early statehood.
The ship design traces to Philadelphia's municipal seal. It shows Pennsylvania's connection to maritime commerce and international trade.
Pennsylvania State Flag Plow
A plow sits in the center section of the shield. It represents agriculture and farming. The plow appeared in earlier versions of the Chester County coat of arms.
The plow symbolizes Pennsylvania's agricultural industry. It shows the importance of farming to the state's economy.
Pennsylvania State Flag Wheat Sheaves
Three sheaves of wheat appear on the right section of the shield. They represent the wheat fields of Sussex County. Sussex County was originally part of Pennsylvania but is now part of Delaware.
The wheat sheaves show agricultural prosperity. They indicate Pennsylvania's role as a grain-producing region.
Pennsylvania State Flag Wreath
An olive branch and cornstalk cross below the shield. The olive branch represents peace. The cornstalk symbolizes prosperity.
Together these elements form a wreath. They frame the motto ribbon and complete the coat of arms design.
Pennsylvania State Flag Motto
A red ribbon beneath the shield displays the state motto in bold black letters. The words read Virtue, Liberty and Independence. This motto declares Pennsylvania's founding values.
The motto appears on both the state seal and the state flag. It reflects the ideals important to Pennsylvania's founders during the Revolutionary period.
Pennsylvania State Flag Colors
The Pennsylvania state flag uses a blue field matching the blue in the United States flag. The coat of arms includes multiple colors. Black appears on the horses and motto text. Red marks the ribbon. Gold or yellow colors the eagle and parts of the shield.
The ship, plow, wheat, olive branch, and cornstalk use natural colors. White appears in parts of the design. The 1907 law specified only that the blue field must match the national flag.
Pennsylvania State Flag Facts
- Pennsylvania adopted its standardized state flag on June 13, 1907
- The state coat of arms was created in 1777 and adopted in 1791
- Militia flags using the coat of arms were authorized in 1799
- Two black horses support the shield on the coat of arms
- The blue field matches the blue in the United States flag
- The motto reads Virtue, Liberty and Independence
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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 Pennsylvania state symbols and flag specifications • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Overview of the symbolism and design elements used on the Pennsylvania state flag • Accessed: January 15, 2026
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