The State Flag of Connecticut

Explore the fascinating history and symbolism of the state flag of Connecticut here.

History

Connecticut was the fifth state in the United States of America, joining the Union officially on January 9, 1788. However, although a more or less consistent flag design was in use for the next century, it was not until 1897 that the legislature ratified an official description. The description adopted reads as follows.

Official description of the Connecticut flag put into law

"The following-described flag is the official flag of the State. The dimensions of the flag shall be five feet and six inches in length; four feet and four inches in width. The flag shall be of azure blue silk, charged with a shield of rococo design of argent white silk, having embroidered in the center three grape vines, supported and bearing fruit in natural colors. The bordure to the shield shall be embroidered in two colors, gold and silver. Below the shield shall be a white streamer, cleft at each end, bordered by gold and browns in fine lines, and upon the streamer shall be embroidered in dark blue letters the motto 'QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET'; the whole design being the arms of the state."

The symbolism of the design

The three grape vines most prominent in the flag represent many things. One legend states that they represent the original three colony-cities under the Connecticut charter: Saybrook, New Haven and Hartford. The grapes are also classic symbols of joy and providence, lending weight to the state motto, "Qui Transtulit Sustinet," which, translated from the Latin, means "He who planted continues to sustain." This motto references the original settlers' sense of faith and gratitude toward the providential hand of God that they saw as responsible for their successful colonization of the region.

Connecticut's flag, like that of many in the Union, has a unique and fascinating history.