PORTLAND, Maine — Maine has had the same state flag — blue with the state seal — for longer than any current Mainers have been alive.
So it may be surprising that, all over the state, homes and even some businesses fly versions of the state flag that preceded it.
The 1901 Maine flag, with the pine tree and North Star on a tan or buff-colored field, was Maine’s first true state flag. It was adopted by the Legislature after the adjutant general of the militia rejected the idea of a blue flag with the state coat of arms, claiming it was too difficult to make. He then came up with the pine tree and star flag, which the Legislature approved. But it only lasted until 1909, when it was replaced by the flag we still fly today.
Flag expert Dave Martucci of Washington, Maine, said it's time to change the state flag back to that 1901 version. Martucci said many other states have blue flags with their state seal, and the Pine Tree flag stands out.
“When this flag came out in 1901, there was a comment that whenever anybody sees this, they will know this represents the Pine Tree State, and there is a lot to be said for that comment," Martucci said.
That may be what has prompted many people to fly modern versions of the 1901 flag. And that popularity led the Legislature in 2023 to vote to have Maine change back to the 1901 state flag. Residents are currently scheduled to vote in November on a statewide referendum to change the flag.
But what will the new flag look like if they pass the referendum?
It's not a simple question, because so far there is no precise description or image to follow.
“The state law being proposed is exactly the same as the 1901 law and says it will be a buff flag with a pine tree in the center and a blue star on the left by the hoist, that’s it," said Martucci.
He also noted multiple versions of the tree on the flag back in 1901, as there still are today.
The image of the 1901 flag for most Mainers comes from the two companies making and selling those flags as decorations, along with a wide range of hats, clothing, and other items with the pine tree and star image.
The Maine Flag Company led the way in 2017, using a stylized-looking tree, which has become very popular. Some critics call it a “cartoon flag." but in fact that design is based on Maine’s only other official flag: the little-known Merchant and Marine Flag, designed and approved by the state in 1939. It is supposed to be flown on boats at sea, but very few mariners appear to know of it.
Maine Maritime Academy flies the Merchant and Marine Flag on its training ship, the State of Maine, and the schooner Bowdoin. In the Academy’s main office hangs a framed, but tattered Merchant and Marine Flag which was carried to the Arctic on the Bowdoin by Admiral Donald MacMillan the famous explorer, in the year it was adopted.
“We love that flag. We loved it from the first time we saw it,” said Chris Korzen, who founded Maine Flag Company with Bethany Field.
He said they made the maritime flag first, then tried a few flags with just the star and pine tree, and demand took off.
“Personally, I think it’s a very cool design. I love the simplicity,” said Field.
Their "Original Maine Flag," as it is called, is arguably what sparked much of the interest in changing the state flag. However, there is a competing design in the marketplace called the "1901 Maine Flag," produced by Maine Stitching Solutions in Skowhegan. Their version of the flag uses a more realistic-looking tree, which co-owner Julie Swain said is closer to the 1901 design.
“And we live in the mountains of western Maine, and I see a lot of trees that look like our tree, so I feel good having this as a representation of what a Maine pine tree looks like.”
Dave Martucci said there are several other versions of Maine’s 1901 flag as well, each with a different interpretation of the tree.
“There’s a dozen different designs out there, four or five Maine companies making them; there are out-of-state companies making them.”
Martucci said he wants Maine to change back to the 1901 flag but to let individuals decide what design they like.
And surprisingly, the two leading Maine flag-making companies are not pushing for the change themselves. Both companies said they plan to continue making the flags they currently use.
“But with respect to this design, people love it," said Korzen of Maine Flag Company. “I’m certain they will continue to buy products with that design on them and whether it’s the official flag or not, it is still a symbol and still a design that resonates with people in Maine and beyond.”
Julie Swain, maker of the 1901 Maine Flag, said much the same thing.
“I think I like things as they are, to tell the truth. That way we can all exist as businesses having our own representation of the Maine flag…and even if they want to keep the current flag, they really like this image, because to me it symbolizes the spirit of Maine.”
The vote on changing the flag, currently set for this November, could be delayed. The Secretary of State asked a Legislative committee on March 7 to delay the vote until 2026, to allow time to form a citizen committee to study and recommend an official flag design. The committee approved the request, which is expected to be voted on by the full Legislature in the coming weeks.