The State Flag of Wisconsin

Wisconsin, nicknamed "the badger state," has an official flag that represents the history and culture of the area. Wisconsin uses color and symbols to signify the state's main industries and diversity.

History

Wisconsin became a state in 1848, but did not adopt a flag until 1881. The original idea for the flag was initiated in 1863, so that there was a flag to use during battle. The coat of arms was not finalized until 1881, which meant that the flag was not finalized until then either. In 1913, Wisconsin passed a flag law stating the exact look and specifications of the flag. 66 years later the flag was altered one last time to include the state name and the year Wisconsin legally declared statehood.

The flag's symbolism

In addition to the year Wisconsin became a state and the name of the state, the banner displays a blue background with the land’s coat of arms. This particular coat of arms features the word “forward” plastered on top of the symbols, which is the state’s motto. The area’s animal, the badger, is located underneath the term. A sailor and a miner are positioned on each side of the shield symbolizing Wisconsin’s important industries and indicating that the economy is composed of both land and sea jobs. The shield in the center of the flag divides into four sections standing for the land’s chief industries: mining, navigation, manufacturing and agriculture. Underneath the crest there is a cornucopia, which represents the two staple resources of the state, farm products and minerals.

Each component of the flag is a representation of the diverse culture, plentiful resources and the wealth of the state. It is a great symbol of the importance of the state's economy.