The Incredible History of Flags in Every State 

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ state flag is full of symbols that can be missed if not observed closely. The flag is the state’s coat of arms, which is an Algonquian Native American with a bow and arrow. The arrow is pointed down as a symbol of piece. Then there’s the floating right arm above the shield, which is meant to represent Myles Standish, the military advisor hired by the Pilgrims, and the thought that one would rather lose their right arm than live under tyranny.

The words: “Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem” stand out on a banner. The words mean “By the sword we seek peace but peace only under liberty” and is the state motto. Feel like you’ve got to defend your cubicle, then check out this extremely cool desk catapult.

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Michigan

Michigan’s state coat of arms appears on the flag and the coat of arms features representations of peace, the fight for statehood and Latin mottos.

A man with his arm raised and his other arm holding a gun symbolize peace and the gun signals the fight for statehood. The elk and moose come from the Hudson’s Bay company coat of arms and the bald eagle is a symbol of the state coming from the Northwest Territory.

The Latin phrases are: “E Pluribus Unum,” which “means out of many, one.” “Tuebor” means “I will defend,” and “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice” translates into “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” which is the state motto. Elk, moose and deer are beautiful creatures but deer can wreak havoc in a garden, check out humane ways to deal with pests.

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Minnesota

In 1893 a women’s auxiliary group held a contest to design the flag. Out of 200 entries, Amelia Hyde Center won $15 for her design. The flag has received criticism for its busyness in the past. It includes a farmer plowing a field as he watches a Native American ride by on horseback. The state flower, the Pink and White Lady’s Slipper, appears like a wreath around the scene. There are three dates on the seal, 1819, which is when Fort Snelling was founded, 1858, the date of statehood and 1893, the adoption of the state flag.

Minnesota’s known as the State of Hockey and as such there are plenty of backyard rinks in the winter. See the can’t-miss tips on how to create a rink right.