New Jersey Flag

The New Jersey state flag differs from most other United State state flags by having a buff colored instead of a dark blue background bearing the state seal. The buff background color of the New Jersey flag is due to the historical fact that George Washington had ordered in 1779 the New Jersey dark blue uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental line to display buff facings. The buff facings had till then only been on Washington’s own uniform and the uniform’s off some other generals. The buff color together with the dark blue color was chosen by Washington in honor of the original Settlers in New Jersey, the Dutch. The dark blue and the buff color were the original colors of Holland and the Netherlands. But just like so many other state flags the flag of New Jersey displays the state emblem from the state seal. In 1780, the regiment was ordered to carry two flags to represent the New Jersey troops, The United States flag and the state flag of New Jersey. So for over 200 years now, the New Jersey flag uses the buff color as its background color. So what exactly is the state flag of New Jersey? Well it essential is a display of the Great seal of the state of New Jersey. The coat of arms on New Jersey’s flag consists of a shield, a knight helmet, a horse’s head, female figures and a banner. The shield has a dark blue background and displays three old plows. The plow represents the agriculture and traditions in New Jersey. The knight’s helmet is forward facing and has a crest in shape of a horse’s head.

The female figures that hold up the shield are Liberty and Ceres. The two women represent the states motto. Liberty is also holding a staff supporting the “liberty cap” and Ceres has an overflowing cornucopia in her hands. The banner carrying the states motto “Liberty and Prosperity” is right underneath the shield and the female figures.

New Jersey flags can be bought at one of the many better flag stores across the United States or with several online retailers. Pictures of the New Jersey state flag can be found in many good history books alongside with a lot of other flags and their history. Older versions of New Jersey’s state flags and also famous versions can be found in New Jersey museums and are also documented with the states government. If you want to draw your own New Jersey flag there are New Jersey flag maps and even New Jersey flag coloring pages.