Virginia State Flag
Fact-checked • Updated January 2, 2025
Virginia State Flag
The Virginia state flag was adopted in 1861 and features the state seal on a blue field. A female figure representing virtue stands over a fallen tyrant. The motto Sic semper tyrannis appears below the figures.
What Is the Virginia State Flag?
The Virginia state flag is the official banner representing the Commonwealth of Virginia. A deep blue rectangular field forms the background. The state seal sits in a white circle at the center. The design may include white fringe along the outer edge when displayed indoors.
The General Assembly readopted the flag on March 28, 1912. Virginia standardized the seal design on February 1, 1950. The flag shows the same imagery on both sides.
Meaning of the Virginia State Flag
The Virginia state flag meaning comes from classical Roman imagery representing freedom from tyranny. The seal shows Virginia's victory over British rule during the American Revolution.
Virtus represents the Roman virtue of courage and moral excellence. She stands victorious with her weapons at rest. Tyranny lies defeated beneath her foot, symbolizing Virginia's break from monarchical control. His broken chain and whip show freedom from British trade restrictions and punitive acts.
History of the Virginia State Flag
Virginia created its first state flag in 1833 during the Nullification Crisis. Governor John Floyd raised the flag on February 22 in Richmond. The flag displayed at Bellona Arsenal and other public buildings. Floyd suggested flying it during special events instead of the U.S. flag. This caused resentment among some House of Delegates members.
Virginia officially adopted a state flag on April 30, 1861. This occurred nearly two weeks after the state seceded from the Union. The design featured the state seal on a blue field.
The General Assembly readopted the flag on March 28, 1912. By this time, many variants of the seal had appeared. Virginia standardized the seal design in 1930 to eliminate confusion. The state updated the flag again on February 1, 1950 when the Art Commission defined official colors for the seal.
Symbols of the Virginia State Flag
Virginia State Flag Virtus
A female figure representing Virtus dominates the seal. Virtus personifies the Roman concept of virtue, courage, and moral excellence. She wears Amazon dress with an exposed breast in the classical style.
Virtus rests on a spear in her right hand. The spear points downward to the ground. She holds a sheathed sword in her left hand. The sword points upward. These weapons show the battle is already won.
Virginia State Flag Tyranny
A fallen male figure representing Tyranny lies beneath Virtus. He symbolizes Great Britain's defeat. His prostrate position shows Virginia's victory over monarchical rule.
Tyranny wears a purple robe. This references Julius Caesar and ancient Roman kings. A broken chain lies in his left hand. The chain represents Virginia's freedom from British restrictions on colonial trade and westward expansion. A useless whip rests in his right hand. The whip signifies relief from punitive British acts like the Intolerable Acts.
Virginia State Flag Crown
A fallen royal crown sits on the ground next to Tyranny. The crown symbolizes Virginia's release from British monarchical control. It represents the end of royal authority over the commonwealth.
Virginia is one of only three U.S. states with a crown on its flag or seal. Maryland and New York are the others.
Virginia State Flag Motto
The motto Sic semper tyrannis appears below the figures. The Latin phrase means Thus always to tyrants in English. It references the assassination of Julius Caesar by Brutus.
The motto declares Virginia's opposition to tyrannical rule. It became the official state motto on the seal designed in 1776.
Virginia State Flag Colors
The Virginia state flag uses a deep blue field with a white circle. The seal contains multiple colors including purple, gold, green, and flesh tones.
Virginia State Flag Facts
- Virginia officially adopted its state flag on April 30, 1861
- The seal was designed by George Wythe in 1776
- The flag was readopted in 1912 and standardized in 1950
- Virginia is the only U.S. state flag depicting nudity
- The motto Sic semper tyrannis means Thus always to tyrants
- The first unofficial state flag was raised in 1833
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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 Virginia statutes on the state flag • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Current flag information and protocol guidelines • Accessed: January 15, 2026
Comprehensive history of Virginia's flag and seal • Accessed: January 15, 2026
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