The Pennsylvania state flag features the state coat of arms, representing the Penn family and the state’s industries, resources, ideals, and loyalty to the USA. The flag’s design has remained largely the same since 1799, with minor changes in legislation regulating its size and color. The coat of arms was also used on state currency and the Great Seal of Pennsylvania. The flag must be the same shade of blue as the national flag and trimmed with a gold silk fringe and flown with a blue and white cord.
The Pennsylvania state flag bears the state coat of arms and has done so since 1799. This coat of arms represents the Penn family, founders of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before the American Revolution. Although it has appeared on the Pennsylvania state flag since 1799, the flag’s current design is the one specified by state legislation dated June 13, 1907. The state legislature at that time made no significant changes to the flag’s original design, but it did simply changed the state flag law to ensure that all state flags are manufactured to the same size and color specifications. The Penn family crest featured on the Pennsylvania state flag contains symbols of the state’s industries, resources, ideals, and loyalty to the United States of America.
The coat of arms on the Pennsylvania state flag was also used on state-issued currency in the 1770s. The Great Seal of Pennsylvania also incorporates this coat of arms into its design. The basic design of the flag has remained largely the same throughout the state’s history. However, it is believed that the Pennsylvania regiments that fought in the American Civil War carried a flag that incorporated the state coat of arms along with the red and white stripes found on the national flag of the United States (USA).
On the Pennsylvania state flag, the coat of arms is bordered by two black working horses and surmounted by a bald eagle. Horses are believed to represent diligence, while the eagle is supposed to represent the state’s loyalty to the United States. Sheaves of grain, a plow and a ship appear on the shield, symbolizing fruitfulness, hard work, its rewards and trade. A crossed corn stalk and olive branch under the shield represent harmony and generosity. A banner under the coat of arms should bear the state motto “Virtue, Liberty and Independence”.
According to the legislative act of June 13, 1907, the blue background for the Pennsylvania state flag must be the same shade of blue as that used on the national flag of the United States. The 1907 law further regulates the size of the Pennsylvania state flag from 6 feet, 2 inches (1.87 meters) long and 4 feet, 6 inches (1.37 meters) wide. Under the law, the flag should be trimmed with a fringe of gold silk 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) wide and should be flown with a blue and white cord, with tassels, 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters) long.
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