Flag History
The blue shield in the center bears the motto Tuebor, "I will defend", which is a sentiment also depicted by the man who stands by the water with one hand resting on a gun and one hand raised, indicating that although they are peace-loving people, they will defend their rights. An elk and a moose support the shield, while in the center is an American eagle that is holding an olive branch and a sheaf of three arrows. Above the eagle's head is a ribbon with the United States motto, "E Pluribus Unum", meaning "Out of Many, One". Another motto on the bottom is a tribute to Michigan's beauty and translates into "If you are seeking a pleasant peninsula, look around you".
Flag Adopted: 1911
State Nickname: The Wolverine State
State Motto: I will defend
Area: 58,527 square miles
Approximate Population: 9.3 million
Capital: Lansing
Largest City: Detroit
Major Products: machinery, cement, chemicals, furniture, paper, maize, oats
State Bird: Robin
State Tree: White Pine
State Flower: Apple Blossom
