The flag of Pennsylvania has been in use since 1799 but was officially adopted in 1907. The flag contains a blue field and the states coat of arms in the center. On the coat of arms there is a depiction of a ship, a plow and three sheaves of wheat indicating the importance of commerce, labor, perseverance and agriculture. Under the coat of arms there is a stack of Indian corn on the left and an olive branch to the right to symbolize the state past and its aspirations for the future. Under the coat of arms is a banner that reads “Virtue, Liberty and Independence” which is the states motto. To the left and right side of the shield there are two draft horses supporting the coat of arms. At the top is a bald eagle representing the states loyalty to the United States.
Pennsylvania’s nickname is The Keystone State because it was the middle colony of the original 13 colonies and because Pennsylvania has held a key position in the economic, social, and political development of the United States. The state song of Pennsylvania also mentions the state nickname in the second verse: “Birthplace of a mighty nation, Keystone of the land.” The word keystone is from architecture, it describes the central wedge-shaped stone in an arch which holds all the other stones in place.
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