The North Star Flag
A PROPOSAL FOR A NEW MINNESOTA STATE FLAG

HOME PAGE    OLD FLAG    HISTORY    NEW DESIGN    ENDORSEMENTS   F.A.Q. 
Minnesota flag (photo)

Since 1989 efforts have been made to adopt a new Minnesota state flag. This website includes reasons for adopting a new flag, information on the current flag, and various new proposals. The North Star flag pictured above was voted "best overall" in an unofficial contest for a new Minnesota flag sponsored by the Saint Paul Pioneer Press.

The star recalls the state motto chosen by the pioneers, "L'etoile du Nord" ("The North Star"). The blue stripe represents our lakes and rivers.  The white stripe represents winter. The green stripe represents our farmland and forests. Gold represents our state's natural wealth. The waves represent the state name, "minisota" -- a Native American name which means "sky-tinted water."


The North Star Flag
Like other effective state flags,
the North Star Flag is...
  • highly visible when flying at a distance
  • simple to remember or sketch
  • clean in design: no clutter from words, complex seals, etc.
  • attractive - both in design and meaning
  • highly distinctive among state & national flags
  • inclusive of Indian & pioneer legacies (like the state seal)
  • praised by state newspapers as well as flag experts who have designed modern national flags
  • timeless: rooted in our heritage but open to the future
  • symbolic: uses proven principles of heraldry & flag graphics

Heritage & Heraldry
The proposed flag symbolically illustrates the state name ("minnesota," or "sky-tinted water") and motto (the "north star") - a technique called "canting heraldry." Since the state name comes from the Indian natives, and the motto from the pioneer settlers, both legacies are duly honored - but with symbolism open to all people and generations. The flag also uses the northern colors which are often seen in Minnesota flags, banners, and logos.

For more information, contact:
wbecker@wacs1.org
heroldlee@aol.com

To purchase a full-size, outdoor North Star Flag (3' x 5'):
call Herold Flags toll free at 888/288-1165


Credits:
flag designed by Rev. William Becker (Winona) & Lee Herold (Rochester)
top flag sewn by Loreen Ingvalson (Blooming Prairie)
  nature watercolor composed by Sally Gerhart (Brownsdale)

HOME PAGE    OLD FLAG    HISTORY    NEW DESIGN    ENDORSEMENTS   F.A.Q.