Introduction
The flag of the state of New York is a dark blue field featuring the state's coat of arms centered within a white disc. The coat of arms is a complex heraldic design depicting two female figures, a shield, and a soaring eagle, all rendered in full color. Below the disc, on a flowing white ribbon, is the state's Latin motto, 'Excelsior', meaning 'Ever Upward'.
The flag's design is categorized as a seal on a bedsheet, a common style for U.S. state flags, where an official emblem is placed on a plain-colored background. The prominent use of blue and gold in the coat of arms creates a visually rich and detailed central image against the solid dark blue field. This centralization makes the flag's focal point unmistakable, though the intricate details can be difficult to discern from a distance.
Meaning & Symbolism
The central coat of arms is rich with symbolism. The shield depicts a sun rising over mountains with a ship and sloop on the Hudson River, representing commerce and the state's geography. Flanking the shield are two allegorical figures: Liberty on the left, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap, and Justice on the right, blindfolded and holding scales and a sword.
Above the shield, an American bald eagle rests on a globe, symbolizing global awareness and sovereignty. The eagle faces toward a smaller globe showing the Atlantic Ocean, signifying New York's historical role in transatlantic commerce. The state motto 'Excelsior' reinforces the theme of aspiration and progress central to the seal's imagery.
History of the New York Flag
The current design was officially adopted as the state flag on April 2, 1901. It is based on the state's coat of arms, which was originally created in 1778 and formally described in a law passed in 1882. The design of the coat of arms itself has undergone minor revisions over the centuries, but its core elements have remained consistent since its inception following the American Revolution.
Prior to 1901, New York used military flags and regimental colors that often incorporated versions of the state seal. The 1901 law standardized the flag's appearance, specifying the dark blue field and the placement of the coat of arms. The flag has not undergone any major redesigns since its official adoption.
Curiosities
- The flag is one of the few U.S. state flags to feature a white disc or circle behind its central emblem, a design choice also seen on the flags of Oregon and Pennsylvania.
- The figure of Liberty on the coat of arms has her foot on a crown, a symbol of freedom from the British monarchy, a detail added after the American Revolution.
- Despite its official status, the flag is often criticized by vexillologists for its complexity and for violating the principle of simplicity for effective flag design, being a classic 'seal on a bedsheet'.
Download Flag
Download the flag of New York in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag's official proportions are 10:19. The coat of arms is centered on the dark blue field and is enclosed within a white disc. Specific statutory dimensions for the elements of the coat of arms are not commonly published in simple construction terms, as the design is defined by its detailed heraldic blazon. The overall layout is centered and symmetrical, with the ribbon bearing the motto 'Excelsior' positioned directly below the central disc.
Flags Similar to New York Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused at a glance with other U.S. state flags that use a dark blue field with a complex state seal or coat of arms, such as Connecticut or New Jersey.