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The State Flag of New Jersey (The Garden State)

New Jersey entered the Union on Dec. 18, 1787, as the third of the original 13 states. During the American Revolution, it had been the scene of several important events, including George Washingtonís crossing of the Delaware in December 1776 to defeat the British at Trenton, now the state capital. The state is named for the Isle of Jersey, in the English Channel, the birthplace of Sir George Carteret, who in 1644 became a part owner of what is now New Jersey.

The flag of New Jersey includes the emblem from the official seal of New Jersey on a buff-colored background. According to the minutes of the New Jersey General Assembly for March 11, 1896, the buff color is due indirectly to George Washington, who had ordered on October 2, 1779, that the uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental Line be dark (Jersey) blue, with buff facings. Buff-colored facings had till then been reserved only for his own uniform and those of other Continental generals and their aides. Then, on February 28, 1780, the Continental War Officers in Philadelphia directed that all regiments were to have state flags, with the background colors of the state flags the same as their uniform coat facings.

Our version of this flag is made of light-weight polyester for durability. It is a large 3 foot by 5 foot flag, and has a reinforced hoist side, with 2 metal grommets.