You Don't Need a History Degree to Know This: How Many Flags Has Michigan Flown?
Ah, Michigan. The Great Lakes State, home of Motown, and apparently, a state with a bit of a commitment issue...when it comes to flags, that is. Buckle up, vexillology enthusiasts (or those who just like looking at cool flags), because we're diving into the fascinating, and slightly hilarious, history of Michigan's flags.
From Fancy Folks to Forgetful Flags: A Tale of Three Banners
Michigan has sported a total of three flags in its lifetime. That's not too bad, right? Well, it depends on how you look at it. Let's take a whistle-stop tour of these flag iterations:
Flag #1: The One and Only Governor (sadly, lost to time) This flag, first flown in 1837, was a true oddity. On one side, it featured a portrait of Governor Stevens T. Mason, the only real person besides George Washington to grace a state flag. Talk about putting a face to the name! The other side displayed the state coat of arms. Unfortunately, this flag is lost to history, leaving us with no pictures or surviving examples. Did a particularly enthusiastic moth colony get to it? The world may never know.
Flag #2: The Double-Sided Showcase (a bit...uninspired) Debuting in 1865, this flag played it safe. One side displayed the state coat of arms, and the other? The U.S. coat of arms. Because, you know, why mess with a good thing? (Although, this design choice did earn Michigan a less-than-stellar ranking in a vexillological association survey. Ouch!)
Flag #3: The Current Champion (hopefully a keeper) Finally, in 1911, Michigan settled on its current flag. This design is a simple blue field emblazoned with the state coat of arms. It's classic, it's recognizable, and hopefully, it'll stick around for a while.
So, Why All the Flag Flapping?
There's no definitive answer, but historians speculate that the early flag changes might have been due to a desire for something more unique and representative of the state. Perhaps the loss of Flag #1 light a fire under Michigan to get a more permanent design going.
Whatever the reason, Michigan's flag history is a reminder that even seemingly simple things like flags can have a bit of an unexpected story behind them.
FAQ: Michigan Flag Fun Facts
How to describe the current Michigan flag?
Blue field with the state coat of arms in the center. Simple, but gets the job done!
How many times has Michigan changed its flag?
Twice. They seem to be on a good streak with the current one, though.
Is there a picture of the first Michigan flag?
Nope! Lost to the ages, like a flag-shaped Atlantis.
What's on the Michigan coat of arms?
It features a bunch of symbolism, including a rising sun, a moose and an elk, a man representing agriculture, and a motto that translates to "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."
How can I learn more about Michigan's flag?
The Michigan Historical Society website is a great place to start! They might even have some theories about what happened to Flag #1.
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