Michigan State Flag

Adopted in 1957.

The present flag--Michigan's third since becoming a state in 1837--was adopted by Public Act 209 of 1911. The state's first flag featured on one side a portrait of Michigan's first governor, Stevens T. Mason. On the other side was the state coat of arms and "a soldier and a lady." In 1865, the state flag changed to display the state coat of arms on one side and the United States coat of arms on the other side.

Today the design on Michigan's deep blue field has three mottoes:

• On a red ribbon - "One Nation Made Up of Many States"
• On a blue shield - "I will Defend"
• On a white ribbon - "If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look Around"

On the blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the eagle represents the United States.

Compiled Laws

Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 2.

CHAPTER 2. STATE.
COAT-OF-ARMS AND FLAG.

2.23 State flag.

Sec. 3.
The state flag shall be blue charged with the arms of the state.

History: 1911, Act 209, Eff. Aug. 1, 1911 ;-- CL 1915, 1100 ;-- CL 1929, 136 ;-- CL 1948, 2.23

2.27 United States flag, state flag; display, expense payment.

Sec. 7.
The flag of the United States and the state flag bearing the arms of the state, shall be displayed upon the capitol building during the daily sessions of the legislature and of the supreme court, and on public occasions. The board of state auditors shall see that the flags are so displayed and that the necessary flag staffs shall be placed and flags supplied. The expense thereof shall be allowed by them and paid by the state treasurer upon proper warrant.

History: 1911, Act 209, Eff. Aug. 1, 1911 ;-- CL 1915, 1104 ;-- CL 1929, 140 ;-- CL 1948, 2.27

© 2007 Legislative Council, State of Michigan