Introduction
The flag of Pennsylvania is a state banner featuring a blue field with the state coat of arms emblazoned at its center. The design is a classic example of a seal-on-a-bedsheet style, a common pattern for U.S. state flags. Its primary colors are blue and gold, with additional colors appearing in the detailed coat of arms.
The central coat of arms is a complex heraldic device surrounded by two harnessed black horses as supporters and topped by a bald eagle. Below the shield, a red ribbon displays the state motto, Virtue, Liberty, and Independence. The flag's design is notable for its intricate details and symbolic density, which are hallmarks of many 19th-century state flags.
Unlike many modern flag designs, the Pennsylvania flag prioritizes detailed heraldry over simplicity and bold symbolism. The flag's deep blue field provides a stark background that makes the golden-yellow elements of the coat of arms stand out prominently.
Meaning & Symbolism
The flag's meaning is derived entirely from its central coat of arms. The shield features a ship representing commerce, a plow for agriculture, and three sheaves of wheat symbolizing fertility and the state's agricultural wealth. These elements collectively portray Pennsylvania's economic foundations.
The bald eagle at the crest represents sovereignty, while the two harnessed black horses flanking the shield signify the state's role in transportation and industry. The state motto, Virtue, Liberty, and Independence, is displayed on a red ribbon, encapsulating the foundational principles of the Commonwealth. The olive branch and cornstalk crossed below the shield are symbols of peace and prosperity.
History of the Pennsylvania Flag
The current flag was officially adopted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on June 13, 1907. The design is based on a standard that was carried by Pennsylvania regiments during the American Civil War. The central coat of arms itself is much older, having been created by 1778 and formally described in an act of the General Assembly.
While the coat of arms dates to the 18th century, its use on a blue field as a flag was standardized in the early 20th century. The 1907 law specified the flag's design and dimensions, cementing its status as the official state banner.
Curiosities
- Pennsylvania is one of the few U.S. states whose flag does not feature the color white in its primary field or main design elements.
- The flag is required by law to be flown daily at all state buildings and institutions.
- The state coat of arms on the flag is so detailed that it includes a tiny farmer leaning on his plow and a specific number of wheat sheaves.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Pennsylvania in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The official proportions of the Pennsylvania flag are an unusual 27:37, though it is commonly produced in the more standard U.S. ratio of 2:3. The coat of arms is centered on the blue field. The height of the coat of arms, including the eagle crest, is specified to be two-thirds the hoist (height) of the flag.
Flags Similar to Pennsylvania Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused at a distance with other U.S. state flags that use a blue field and a central seal, such as Connecticut or New York.