Pennsylvania flag

Have you seen the flag of Pennsylvania? Like many other official state flags, it features the state’s coat of arms. In the center of the Pennsylvania flag is the state’s coat of arms consisting of a bald eagle standing atop a shield. On both sides of the shield are horses. Within the shield itself is a ship and three sheaves of wheat.

The Pennsylvania flag is one of eight state flags that features a bald eagle. Other state flags with a bald eagle in their flag’s design include Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Iowa, Oregon and Utah. To learn more about the flag of Pennsylvania, including its rich history, keep reading.

Origins of the Flag of Pennsylvania

The flag of Pennsylvania was officially adopted on June 13, 1907. Prior to this period, Pennsylvania didn’t have a uniform, standardized design for its flag. This resulted in a variety of designs being used for its state militia flags. Most of the designs still featured the state’s coat of arms, but they were available in different colors and proportions. In 1907, lawmakers passed a piece of legislation defining the state’s official flag.

One of the first designs appeared in 1799. It featured a blue field with the state’s coat of arms in the center. A new design appeared in 1837. The following year, the colors of the Pennsylvania flag were changed to blue and gold.

In 1907, the Pennsylvania flag was changed again to its current design. The coat of arms remains the same, but the flag now features a blue background — the same blue color as that of the American flag — with the state’s coat of arms in the center.

Proposals for a New Design

There have been several proposals for a new design since the Pennsylvania flag was adopted. State Representative Tim Solobay, for instance, proposed a new design that featured the word “Pennsylvania” The current design doesn’t mention “Pennsylvania,” which Solobay sought to change with his design proposal. The proposal ultimately failed, however, so the design was never officially changed.

Another proposal occurred in 2007. It sought to include the words “Commonwealth of” at the top of the coat of arms and the word “Pennsylvania” directly below the coat of arms. But like Solobay’s proposal, this proposal failed as well. The Pennsylvania flag may change in the future, but it currently uses the same design that was originally adopted back in 1907.

The Pennsylvania flag has a colorful design depicting its official coat of arms. You can find it displayed throughout the Keystone State. It has a blue background with Pennsylvania’s coat of arms in the center. Even if you’ve seen the Pennsylvania flag before, though, there are probably some things you don’t know about it. Here are five fun facts about the Pennsylvania flag.

#1) Coat of Arms Was Adopted in 1778

The Pennsylvania coat of arms was adopted in 1778. The coat of arms, of course, came before the flag. In the late 18th century, Pennsylvania lawmakers signed a piece of legislation recognizing an official coat of arms. This coat of arms would later become the foundation for the Pennsylvania flag’s design.

#2) The Ship Symbolizes Commerce

You may notice a ship featured in the Pennsylvania flag. It’s part of the state’s official coat of arms, which is depicted in the Pennsylvania flag. Like other parts of the state’s coat of arms, the ship isn’t random; it symbolizes Pennsylvania’s global commerce. The state banner of Pennsylvania has a long history of global commerce. It produces and exports a wide range of products. The ship in the state’s coat of arms symbolizes this commerce.

#3) Officially Adopted in 1907

While the Pennsylvania flag originally appeared around the same time the coat of arms was adopted, these early versions weren’t official. There was no law at the time recognizing an official Pennsylvania flag. It wasn’t until 1907 when the current design was officially adopted. Since then, Pennsylvania has continued to recognize the aforementioned design as its official flag. The Pennsylvania flag features the state’s coat of arms against a blue background.

#4) Features an Embroidered Coat of Arms

The coat of arms on the Pennsylvania flag is embroidered. Some state flags, of course, have a screen-printed coat of arms. The Pennsylvania flag is different. Rather than a screen-printed coat of arms, the Pennsylvania flag features an embroidered coat of arms. The coat of arms is sewn directly into the flag itself.

#5) Contains the State’s Motto

The Pennsylvania flag contains the state’s motto: “Virtue, Liberty and Independence.” It’s found at the bottom of the state’s official coat of arms. The motto wraps around the bottom on a horizontal banner. The motto is the only text displayed on the Pennsylvania flag.

Even if you don’t live in Pennsylvania, you can still display the Pennsylvania state flag. It’s a colorful flag consisting of the state’s official coat of arms against a blue background.

• When was the Pennsylvania Flag adopted?
• What are the meanings of the designs on the Pennsylvania Flag?
• Where might I purchase a Pennsylvania State Flag?
• How should the Pennsylvania Flag be flown with my American flag?

When was the Pennsylvania Flag adopted?

The General Assembly first authorized a state flag of Pennsylvania in 1799, but then standardized it in 1907. The standardization specifies that the blue background be a perfect match with the blue in the flag of the United States. In 1778 Caleb Lownes of Philadelphia prepared a coat of arms which was placed on the flag the same year. His original Coat of Arms is virtually identical to the one used today.
In 2005, the state legislature of Pennsylvania voted to add the word “Pennsylvania” to the flag. Representatives passed the measure, but the Senate has not taken action on it as of 2015.

What are the meanings of the designs on the Pennsylvania flag?

The Pennsylvania Flag features the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The flag displays a bald eagle as it’s crest, a gold and white wreath, and two draft horses that hold the shield together, which are like guardians supporting it. The bald eagle represents the state’s allegiance to its’ protector, the United States.
Symbols of Pennsylvania’s greatest strengths grace the coat of arms: a ship represents the commerce that Pennsylvania’s economy is based on, a red plough represents the rich natural resources of the region, and three sheaves of wheat represent the fertility of the state’s soil as well as its’ cultural wealth. Below this scene, a cornstalk crosses limbs with an olive branch as a symbol of prosperity and peace. Beneath it is the state motto “Virtue, Liberty and Independence”, beautifully written on a red ribbon.

Where can I purchase a Pennsylvania State flag?

If you would like to purchase a Pennsylvania Flag, order yours form Star Spangled Flags. Their flags are beautiful: the colors are bright and bold and they are made from only materials made in the USA! They are durable and protected from the sun, and they use strong stitching that keeps the flags from unraveling and fraying. They also provide free shipping! Order your online today by clicking here.

How should the Pennsylvania flag be flown with my American flag?

When flying the Pennsylvania and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Pennsylvania flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Pennsylvania flag will be to the right of the flag of the United States situating the U.S. flag in the position of honor, which is to the observer’s left of the other flags.