Minnesota State Flag Patch

The Minnesota State Flag was adopted in 1957 and consists of the state's official seal, A Native American riding on horseback, three dates 1858, 1819, and 1893, 87 small circles around the wreath, a white ring on which 19 stars lie, a Top star larger than other stars, a bare-footed farmer plowing a field, ax, horse, spear, gun and powder horn lying on a nearby tree stump, River and falls, pine trees, the sun, horizon's visibility and the motto, "L'ETOILE DU NORD". The Native American riding on horseback represents the Native American Heritage. The dates 1858, 1819, and 1893 are the Date Minnesota was admitted to the Union, the year Fort Snelling was established and the year the first official state flag was adopted. The 87 small circles around the wreath symbolize the 87 counties in Minnesota. The white ring on which 19 stars lies signifies Minnesota was the 19th state to enter the Union. The Top star larger than other stars represents that Minnesota was the northernmost state when admitted to the Union. The bare-footed farmer plowing a field represents the great American Indian, the ax, horse, spear, gun, and plow represent the important tools that were used for hunting and labor. The stump is an important symbol of the lumber industry in the state. The cultivated ground and plow symbolize the importance of the agriculture industry. The river and falls are a representation of the importance of natural resources for transportation, trade, and commerce. The motto is a french word for "The Star of the North".