On blue, the state coat of arms: a shield with ship, plough, and sheaves of wheat, flanked by black horses, crowned by an eagle. Beneath, the motto “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.” Heraldic and elaborate, a full tableau of plenty.
Blue field with coat of arms featuring horses, eagle, and shield with symbols of commerce and farming.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Based on state coat of arms
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Horse
- Design type
- State coat of arms on blue field
- Complexity
- 9/10
- Readability
- 3/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Horses
Supporters symbolize strength and independence.
Eagle
Represents the United States.
Motto
‘Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.’
Design Breakdown
The Pennsylvania 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 horses, eagle, and shield with symbols of commerce and farming.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Features horses as heraldic supporters
- Strong emphasis on commerce and agriculture
- Uses an English-language civic motto
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Rich economic and civic symbolism
- Strong Revolutionary-era heritage
- Clear representation of agriculture and commerce
Common criticism
- Highly detailed coat of arms
- Includes text
- Poor visibility at distance
- Visually similar to other seal-on-blue flags
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the coat of arms
- Eliminate text
- Adopt a keystone-based symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Pennsylvania state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Interpret Pennsylvania’s motto.
- Explain symbols of agriculture and commerce in coat of arms.
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 Pennsylvania state coat of arms centered on a dark blue field.
Attributes: Shield with ship, Plow, Sheaves of wheat, Two horses as supporters, Eagle crest, State motto ribbon
Meaning: Commerce, agriculture, strength, and Pennsylvania’s role in the Union
Shield Symbols
A shield depicting a ship above a plow and three sheaves of wheat.
Attributes: Ship, Plow, Three wheat sheaves
Meaning: Trade, industry, and agricultural prosperity
Horses
Two black horses supporting the shield on either side.
Attributes: Two horses rampant
Meaning: Strength, endurance, and readiness
Motto
The state motto 'Virtue, Liberty, and Independence' displayed on a ribbon.
Attributes: English text
Meaning: Core civic values guiding the state
Historical Timeline
Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution.
Flag standardized and officially adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State coat of arms on blue field
Complexity: 9/10
Readability: 3/10
Fascinating Facts
Pennsylvania is nicknamed the Keystone State for its central role in U.S. founding.
Philadelphia hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The state seal is the central feature of the flag.
Two horses support the shield on the seal.
The shield represents commerce, agriculture, and industry.
An eagle above the shield symbolizes the United States.
The flag features a dark blue field.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1907.
State Information
- Population
- 13,011,844
- Area
- 46,054
- Founded
- 12 Dec 1787
- Region
- Northeast
