Minnesota State Flag

Minnesota State Flag


Flag Officially Adopted: (1957) Updated August 21983


The flag is royal bluewith a gold fringe and is jam-packed with Minnesota state symbols. In the center of the flag is the state seal. Around the state seal is a wreath of the state flowerthe
lady slipper

Three dates are woven into the wreath: 1858the year Minnesota became a state; 1819the year Fort Snelling was established; and 1893the year the official flag was adopted. Nineteen stars ring the wreath.  symbolizing the fact that Minnesota was the 19th state to enter the Union after the original 13. The largest star represents the North star and  Minnesota.

“L’étoile du Nord” translates to “the star of the North” which is Minnesota’s official motto.

Symbolism within the Seal on the Flag 

Native American on a horse – represents Native American heritage Minnesota state flag throughout Minnesota

Horsespearaxerifleand plow – represent important tools that were used for hunting and labor

The three pine treesMinnesota’s official state tree (red pine)

Tree stump – the importance of Minnesota’s timber industry

The cultivated ground and plow – the importance of agriculture

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