Vermont State Flag

What Is the Vermont State Flag?

The Vermont state flag is the official banner representing the state of Vermont. A blue rectangular field forms the background. The state coat of arms sits in the center. Two pine branch supporters flank the shield on each side.

The Vermont General Assembly adopted this design on June 1, 1923. The flag replaced an earlier striped design that caused confusion with the United States flag. Vermont flies this flag at government buildings and public spaces across the state.

Meaning of the Vermont State Flag

The Vermont state flag meaning comes from symbols representing the state's natural resources and values. Each element on the coat of arms reflects aspects of Vermont's identity and economy.

The coat of arms balances freedom of individual citizens with the welfare of the common good. This dual purpose appears in the state motto Freedom and Unity displayed below the shield.

History of the Vermont State Flag

Vermont introduced its first official state flag on May 1, 1804. The design mimicked the United States flag with 17 stars and 17 stripes. Vermont expected the U.S. flag would adopt this pattern when the number of states reached seventeen. The word VERMONT was embroidered along the top red stripe.

The U.S. flag never added the extra stripes. This created confusion between Vermont's flag and the national banner. Vermont changed its flag design on October 20, 1837. The new version used 13 stripes like the U.S. flag. A single large star surrounded the coat of arms in the blue canton. The star varied between five points and eight points in different versions.

Vermont militia used flags during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I that showed the coat of arms on a blue field. This design matched the governor's flag. Because of ongoing confusion with striped flags, Vermont adopted the governor's flag design as the official state flag on June 1, 1923. The flag has remained unchanged since then.

Previous Versions of the Vermont State Flag

Pre-1804

Green Mountain Boys Flag

Unofficial flag used by Vermont militia led by Ethan Allen before statehood.

1804–1837

First Official Flag

Red and white striped flag with 17 stars and 17 stripes, with VERMONT inscribed on the top stripe.

1837–1923

Second Official Flag

Thirteen stripes with coat of arms inside a star in the canton, varying between 5-pointed and 8-pointed stars.

1923–present

Current State Flag

Blue field with state coat of arms in the center, adopted to avoid confusion with the U.S. flag.

Symbols of the Vermont State Flag

Vermont State Flag Coat of Arms

The coat of arms dominates the center of the flag. Ira Allen designed this emblem in 1778. The shield contains symbols representing Vermont's landscape and economy.

Two pine branch supporters frame the shield on both sides. These branches symbolize the small pine boughs worn at the Battle of Plattsburgh near the end of the War of 1812.

Vermont State Flag Pine Tree

A pine tree stands in the middle of the shield. The tree represents Vermont's extensive forests. Pine trees grow throughout the state and support the timber industry.

The pine tree appears as one of the central elements on the coat of arms. It reflects Vermont's natural landscape and forestry heritage.

Vermont State Flag Cow

A red cow stands in the foreground of the shield. The cow represents Vermont's dairy industry. Dairy farming has been a major part of Vermont's economy for generations.

The cow appears on a green field alongside wheat sheaves. Together these elements show Vermont's agricultural character.

Vermont State Flag Wheat Sheaves

Three wheat sheaves stand on the shield. These bundles of grain represent Vermont's agriculture. Wheat and other crops have long been part of Vermont farming.

The sheaves appear next to the cow on a green field. The combination emphasizes Vermont's agricultural heritage.

Vermont State Flag Deer Head

A deer head sits on top of the shield. The deer represents Vermont's wildlife. Deer roam throughout Vermont's forests and mountains.

The deer head serves as the crest above the coat of arms. It highlights the state's natural environment and hunting traditions.

Vermont State Flag Mountains

Green mountains appear in the background of the shield. These represent the Green Mountains that run through Vermont. The state takes its name from the French words vert mont, meaning green mountain.

The mountains provide the backdrop for the other symbols on the coat of arms. They anchor the design in Vermont's physical geography.

Vermont State Flag Motto

The words Freedom and Unity appear on a banner below the shield. This motto balances two ideals. Freedom represents individual liberty. Unity represents the common good.

The motto reflects Vermont's political philosophy. It appears on both the state flag and the state seal.

Vermont State Flag Colors

The Vermont state flag uses multiple colors in the coat of arms on a blue background. The shield contains green, red, gold, and white elements.

Vermont State Flag Facts

• Vermont adopted its current state flag on June 1, 1923
• The coat of arms was designed by Ira Allen in 1778
• Vermont's first official flag had 17 stars and 17 stripes
• The flag changed in 1837 to avoid confusion with the U.S. flag
• The motto Freedom and Unity appears on the flag
• The pine tree represents Vermont's forests and timber industry