New hampshire state flag
The New Hampshire state flag features the state coat of arms on a blue field. The coat of arms is a shield with three plows, a star, and a motto. Here's a breakdown of the elements:
- The shield is divided into three sections, with a plow in each section. The plows represent the state's agricultural heritage.
- The star above the shield is a five-pointed star, which represents the state's status as one of the original 13 colonies.
- The motto "Live Free or Die" is written in a ribbon below the shield. This motto was adopted in 1945 and is a reference to the state's strong tradition of independence and individual freedom.
The flag's design is based on the state coat of arms, which was adopted in 1784. The flag itself was officially adopted in 1931.
Here's a fun fact: New Hampshire is the only state whose flag is not a rectangle. Instead, it's a trapezoid, with the top edge being slightly wider than the bottom edge. This unique shape is a nod to the state's history as a colonial territory, where the flag was designed to be flown from a ship's mast.