- When was the Minnesota state flag adopted?
- What is the meaning of the design and dates on the Minnesota state flag?
- How are you supposed to fly the Minnesota flag with your American flag?
- Where can you buy a Minnesota flag?
When was the Minnesota state flag adopted?
The present state flag of Minnesota was adopted in 1957. The main design on the flag is the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota which became official in 1861. In 1983 Legislature altered the seal to spell out specific design details more clearly.
What is the meaning of the design and dates on the Minnesota state flag?
The state flag of Minnesota consists of a medium blue field on which lies much of Minnesota’s State Seal. Around the state seal is a wreath of the state flower, the pink and white showy lady slipper. Three dates are woven into the wreath: above the seal in gold letters is the date 1858 which is the date Minnesota was admitted to the Union; on a red ribbon is the date 1819 which is the year Fort Snelling was established; and 1893, also on a red ribbon is the year the first official state flag was adopted. There are 87 small circles around the wreath which represent the 87 counties in Minnesota. Around the circles is a white ring on which lies nineteen stars symbolizing the fact that Minnesota was the nineteenth state to enter the Union after the original thirteen. The stars are arranged into four groups of four stars, and one group of three stars which lies at the top of the ring. The top star is larger than the others and represents the North Star and Minnesota as she was the northernmost state when she was admitted to the Union. The state name, “MINNESOTA” appears in red on the bottom of the white ring. The central seal pictures a bare-footed farmer plowing a field. The farmer’s axe, gun and powder horn are lying on a nearby tree stump. There is an American Indian holding a spear on horseback riding due south. Both the Indian and farmer represent the early inhabitants of Minnesota. The Indian represents the great American Indian heritage of the state and the horse, spear, axe, rifle and plow represent important tools that were used for hunting and labor. The stump is a symbol of the importance of the lumber industry in the state. The cultivated ground and plow symbolize the importance of agriculture in Minnesota. The Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls are shown to note the importance of Minnesota’s natural resources for transportation, trade, and commerce. Beyond the falls three pine trees represent the state tree and three great pine regions of Minnesota: The St. Croix, Mississippi, and Lake Superior. The sun, visible on the western horizon, signifies summer in the northern hemisphere. The horizon’s visibility signifies the flat plains covering much of Minnesota. The state motto, “L’ETOILE DU NORD” – French for star of the north, appears on a banner above the scenery.
How are you supposed to fly the Minnesota flag with your American flag?
When flying the Minnesota and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Minnesota flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Minnesota 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.
Where can you buy a Minnesota flag?
Star Spangled Flags sells a beautiful Minnesota flag that is 100% made in the USA! They use a tough material and add UV protection which adds to the longevity of the flag. They also use superior stitching that helps to prevent fraying and unraveling. A big plus is that they provide free shipping! Go here for the best place to buy one.
