About the Flag
A Flag for New Jersey
Flag Design
The proposed New Jersey State Flag is designed to be a more simple representation of New Jersey’s rich history while also representing the State’s official nickname and motto. The colors used are primarily Jersey Blue and Buff, the colors General Washington chose for the New Jersey Regiments during the Revolution but also the official state colors. The cross of St. George remains in red to represent New Jersey’s allegiance to the American Union, the colors of the New Jersey regiment uniforms during the earliest part of the Revolution, and the lives lost and sacrificed by those defending our State, Country, and Constitution.
1. The 3 Horizontal Stripes: The 2 buff and 1 white horizontal stripes are inspired by the tri-color flag design of New Netherland which consisted of blue, white, and red. New Jersey was first settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century and this pays tribute to the Dutch history. Decedents of these early settlers still farm the land to this day.
2. The Inner White Circle: The inner white circle represents the Native American or Indigenous population, specifically the Lenape, that called this land home in early America. The circle was an important symbol in Native American culture. The circle appears in Native American art, clothing, items such as dream catchers, and medicine wheels. To Natives, the circle represented the sun, the moon, the cycles of the seasons, the cycle of life to death to rebirth, and the 4 sacred directions which is symbolized by the cross of St. George. The Native tribes still influence the region today by way of town names, lakes, municipal insignia’s, and more.
3. The Cross of St. George: The cross of St. George is a symbol of the time New Jersey spend as a province and colony of England starting in the late 17th century leading up to the American Revolution. The cross also divides the inner white circle into 4 parts representing the 4 sacred directions.
4. The 13 Stars in Blue Circle: The Blue circle stands for unity and borders the outside of the inner white circle. The 13 stars represent New Jersey among the original 13 united colonies fighting for independence during the American Revolution. New Jersey played a vital role in the birth of our Nation from key battles to Declaration signers. Our state, from north to south, is covered with battlefields, buildings and architecture, and landmarks that remain today as some of the Nation’s oldest.
5. The Shield with 3 plows: Intended to be the key design element in the flag representing our rich and deep agricultural history and official nickname “The Garden State”. This feature is taken from the current Coat of Arms which currently sits on the official state flag and dates back to the 18th century. Although not currently stated in the official design of the current flag. The number of plows, (3) in this flag, symbolize New Jersey being the 3rd state to ratify the Constitution, which occurred in 1787.
6. The 2 Large Buff/Blue Stars: These stars, which serve as another prominent feature of the flag represent Liberty and Prosperity, the official state motto. It is a more simplistic and distinguishing design feature to represent the motto than currently in use on the current state flag which is done in writing and with the figures of Liberty and the roman goddess Ceres. Although meaningful, they make poor design elements in a flag.
7. 1776: A minor design element not intended to be a distinguishable feature. Although it is recommended flags contain no letters or numbers of any kind, it has significance being located in the ring of stars representing the united colonies and serves as a reminder of our independence when viewed up close. It is meant to inspire reflection and appreciation to those viewing.
This flag was designed by Michael Carloni, a lifelong resident of New Jersey who has an interest in history and is an avid collector of American flags. Most importantly this New Jersey flag redesign does not replace or alter New Jersey's official state seal or Coat of Arms.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create awareness and bring attention to updating the state flag to give New Jersey an identity that's more recognizable and representative of the Garden State that citizens could be proud of. The ultimate goal being to have a bill proposed to update New Jersey's state flag. Until that time, we would like increase interest and awareness in the new design and make them available to residents for their homes, office, or vehicles.
Shop Flags
If you are passionate about our great state of New Jersey and wish to fly a New Jersey flag redesign, you can purchase a flag here.
Our Goal
Our goal is to adopt a New Jersey flag more consistent with the the State's history and identity while also more closely following the principles of a good flag design as put forth by the North American Vexillological Association. We are looking to distinguish New Jersey as the great state it is by giving it a symbol that is easily recognizable and can instill a sense of pride in it's residents. This New Jersey Flag redesign gives the Garden State the symbol it deserves.