History

• In 1779, the Continental Congress directed Washington to choose colors for the uniforms of the New Jersey regiments. On October 2 of that year, he chose a dark blue with buff, which honored the Dutch settlers of the region, as these were the colors of their homeland. In 1780, the Continental War Officers decided that each regiment should carry a state flag, with the main colors matching those of their uniforms.
  
  

Identification

• On the buff colored background of the New Jersey state flag is the state's coat of arms, consisting of a blue shield emblazoned with a trio of plows, the head of a horse, and the goddesses Liberty and Agriculture. Beneath this scene is a ribbon with the words "Liberty and Prosperity" along with the year 1776.
  
  

Considerations

• The legislature of New Jersey made a formal adoption of the state flag in 1896, according to the 50 States website. The two goddesses on the flag hold different items. While Liberty holds a rod with a liberty cap on its top in her right hand, Agriculture carries a cornucopia overflowing with fruit and vegetables in her left.