Wisconsin State Flag

Meaning of the Flag

The most prominent feature of the state flag of Wisconsin is the state’s coat of arms. There are many elements to this emblem. It includes the state motto, “Forward.” It also features an image of a badger, which is the state animal of Wisconsin. There is a state shield in the middle which features a plow that symbolizes agriculture, a pick and shovel that represent the mining industry, an arm with a hammer that represents the manufacturing sector, and an anchor to represent navigation. In the center of the shield is the coat of arms of the United States. A sailor and a yeoman support the shield and represent labor on land and water. At the bottom is a cornucopia that is representative of abundance and prosperity and 13 lead ingots that symbolize the 13 original colonies and the mineral wealth of the state. The flag also features the state’s name, as well as the year 1848, which is when Wisconsin was admitted to the Union.

Colors of the Flag

The primary color of the Wisconsin state flag is blue. This color makes up the background. The state coat of arms is made up of multiple colors, including white, red and gold. The lettering of the state name and the year 1848 are printed in white.

History of the Flag

Wisconsin’s state flag was first designed in 1866 because regiments needed a flag for battlefield use. The flag was very similar to the one used today. This original design was flown from 1866 to 1913. In 1913, a new design was adopted that was similar to the original, with the exception of modifications to the state coat of arms. The flag was modified again in 1979 to add the state’s name and year of admission to the Union. Two years later, all state flags were required to have this design, so the previous design was no longer used in 1981.

Flag Facts

Adding the state’s name was first proposed in 1973. However, opponents stated that the flag was too cluttered. The name was later added in 1979.

flag
Colors
Blue, White, Gold
Adopted
5/1/1981

Design

Blue background with the state coat of arms in the center and "Wisconsin" in white above, and the "1848" in white, below

Wisconsin State Flag

Wisconsin Flag

Wisconsin Flag SVG

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