Unusual buff background with blue shield, three ploughs, and a knight’s helmet. Goddesses Liberty and Ceres flank it, while “Liberty and Prosperity” scrolls beneath. Distinctive in colour, it blends agrarian pride with classical grandeur.
Buff field with state coat of arms centered.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Based on state seal by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Horse
- Design type
- State seal on buff field
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Buff Background
Represents colors worn by New Jersey regiments in the Revolutionary War.
Goddess Liberty
Symbolizes freedom.
Goddess Ceres
Represents agriculture.
Horse Head
State crest symbolizing strength.
Design Breakdown
The New Jersey 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: Buff field with state coat of arms centered.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of few state flags with a buff-colored field
- Features two classical female allegorical figures
- Strong emphasis on agriculture through multiple symbols
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Distinctive buff background color
- Strong Revolutionary-era symbolism
- Clear agricultural identity
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes text and Latin motto
- Low visibility at distance
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal
- Eliminate text
- Adopt a simplified horse or agricultural symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the New Jersey state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain Revolutionary War regimental colors.
- Interpret symbolism of Liberty and Ceres.
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 New Jersey state seal centered on a buff-colored field.
Attributes: Three plows on shield, Two female figures as supporters, Horse’s head crest, State motto, State name and year
Meaning: Agriculture, liberty, abundance, and New Jersey’s statehood
Plows
Three plows displayed on a shield.
Attributes: Three agricultural plows
Meaning: New Jersey’s farming heritage and productivity
Figures
Two female figures representing Liberty and Ceres.
Attributes: Liberty with staff and cap, Ceres with cornucopia
Meaning: Political freedom and agricultural abundance
Motto
The Latin motto 'Liberty and Prosperity' displayed beneath the shield.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Core values of freedom and economic well-being
Historical Timeline
New Jersey ratified the Constitution.
Official flag adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on buff field
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
Only U.S. state flag with a buff-colored field.
Known as the Garden State for its agricultural heritage.
The buff color honors Revolutionary War uniforms.
The state seal is the central feature of the flag.
The helmet atop the shield represents sovereignty.
The horse’s head symbolizes speed and strength.
The figures represent Liberty and Agriculture.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1896.
State Information
- Population
- 9,288,994
- Area
- 8,723
- Founded
- 18 Dec 1787
- Region
- Northeast
