On blue, the state coat of arms shows a moose resting beneath a pine tree, flanked by farmer and sailor. Above, the North Star and the motto Dirigo, “I lead.” It is rustic yet resolute, Maine presenting itself as both hardy and guiding.
Blue field with coat of arms featuring pine tree, moose, and motto ribbon.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Moose
- Design type
- State seal on blue field
- Complexity
- 9/10
- Readability
- 3/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Pine Tree
Represents forests and independence.
Moose
Symbol of wildlife.
Motto
‘Dirigo’ means ‘I lead.’
Design Breakdown
The Maine flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Blue field with coat of arms featuring pine tree, moose, and motto ribbon.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Features a moose prominently on the state seal
- Strongly associated with an early non-seal historical flag
- One of many seal-on-blue-field designs
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Rich natural symbolism
- Strong maritime and forestry themes
- Clear historical continuity
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes text and Latin motto
- Poor visibility at distance
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Revive the 1901 pine tree flag
- Remove the state seal
- Adopt a simple pine and star design
- Eliminate text
Notable proposals
- 1901 Maine Flag revival movement
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Maine state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain Maine’s motto ‘Dirigo.’
- Compare 1901 simple flag with current design.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The Maine state seal centered on a dark blue field.
Attributes: Pine tree, Moose, Farmer with scythe, Sailor with anchor, North Star, Latin motto
Meaning: Maine’s natural resources, labor, maritime heritage, and guidance toward the future
Pine Tree
A tall pine tree standing at the center of the seal.
Attributes: Evergreen pine
Meaning: Maine’s forests, resilience, and historic timber industry
Moose
A resting moose beneath the pine tree.
Attributes: Moose in repose
Meaning: Abundant wildlife and the natural wilderness of Maine
Motto
The Latin motto 'Dirigo' displayed on a ribbon.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: I lead, representing guidance and leadership
Historical Timeline
Maine admitted as 23rd state.
Current coat of arms flag adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on blue field
Complexity: 9/10
Readability: 3/10
Fascinating Facts
The North Star appears on the state seal and motto.
Maine’s first flag (1901) was much simpler and has a revival movement today.
The current flag features the state seal on a blue field.
The North Star symbolizes guidance and direction.
The motto 'Dirigo' means 'I Lead.'
A moose resting beneath a pine tree represents Maine’s wildlife and forests.
The flag design was officially adopted in 1909.
Maine’s original pine tree flag remains popular among vexillology enthusiasts.
State Information
- Population
- 1,362,359
- Area
- 35,385
- Founded
- 15 Mar 1820
- Region
- Northeast
