| A short
history of the Michigan State flag |
In 1837, Michigan
flew its first flag, and achieved statehood the same year. The
seal was based on the arms of the Hudson Bay Company. The shield
shows a figure on shore of Lake Michigan with the usual rising
sun in the background. To support the shield is a moose, and
an elk, and between them is the crest of an American eagle. This
is similar to that on the arms of the United States, and the
motto above the eagle is also taken from the arms of the USA.
The motto under the shield is a curious one, which translates
as "If you are seeking a pleasant peninsula, look around
you". Only the seal was used on the first state flag, but
later flags added the coat of arms on a blue background. The
present flag is double sided and was officially adopted in 1911. |
| A short
history of Michigan (The Wolverine State) |
Michigan consists
of two peninsulas between Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake
Michigan. The French owned Michigan until 1763, when it ceded
to Britain. It was part of the Indiana Territory, and in 1783
ceded to the USA. Michigan became a Territory in 1805, and achieved
statehood on January 26, 1837. |
| Area
of Michigan |
58,527 sq. miles |
Capital
|
Lansing |
| Major
Products |
Transport equipment,
machinery, cement, chemicals, furniture, paper, maize, oats,
livestock, tourism |
| State
Motto |
Tuebor ("I
will defend") |
