MASSACHUSETTS

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States has been represented by official but limited-purpose flags since 1776, though until 1908 it had no state flag per se to represent its government. The flag of Massachusetts displays the state coat of arms centered on a white field. The shield depicts an Algonquin Native American with bow and arrow; the arrow is pointed downward, signifying peace. A white star with five points appears next to the figure's head, signifying Massachusetts' admission as the 6th US State.