Coat of arms and flag of New Jersey

Coat of Arms and Flag of New Jersey

The Coat of Arms and Flag of New Jersey are significant symbols that represent the history, culture, and heritage of the state. The coat of arms and flag are used in official state documents, buildings, and other state-related affairs.

Coat of Arms of New Jersey[edit | edit source]

The Coat of Arms of New Jersey was officially adopted in 1777. The coat of arms features a shield with three plows, representative of New Jersey's agricultural tradition. The shield is supported by two figures - Liberty and Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, symbolizing abundance. Liberty holds a staff with a liberty cap on it, and Ceres holds a cornucopia filled with harvested produce, symbolizing abundance. The crest above the shield features a forward-facing helmet and a horse's head.

The state's motto, "Liberty and Prosperity", and the year of statehood, 1776, are inscribed on a banner held by the two figures. The motto reflects the state's values and the year signifies the state's establishment during the American Revolution.

Flag of New Jersey[edit | edit source]

The Flag of New Jersey is buff-colored, an homage to the Dutch, who originally colonized parts of New Jersey. The state's coat of arms is emblazoned in the center of the flag. The flag was officially adopted in 1896, and its colors—buff and Jersey blue—were chosen by George Washington in 1779 during the Revolutionary War.

The flag's design is a direct reflection of the state's history, its struggles, and its prosperity. The buff color represents the Dutch, the coat of arms symbolizes the state's agricultural and revolutionary history, and the Jersey blue represents the state's loyalty to the United States.