AUGUSTA - The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted to advance legislation last week sponsored by Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, to adopt Maine's original flag from 1901 as the state's official flag.
The flag, an image of a blue-colored north star over a lone pine tree on a buff-colored background, was the official flag of Maine from 1901 until 1909, when it was replaced by Maine's current flag.
Over the years, several bills have been introduced to restore the 1901 flag as the official Maine flag. Paulhus introduced similar legislation in 2021 but it failed to get the necessary votes in the House.
"Across the state, we see Mainers proudly flying the 1901 flag on their porches, in storefronts or as stickers on their vehicles," said Paulhus. "This design has returned to prominence and popularity, thanks to its unique and instantly recognizable design. For Mainers, it represents a symbol of pride, of place and of home. I am so pleased that the committee advanced this bill, putting us one step closer to reclaiming the original Maine flag as our official state flag."
Colloquially, the flag has been referred to as the 1820 flag in reference to the year Maine broke from Massachusetts and became its own state. It has also been referred to as "the polaris and pine" or the "star and pine."
The bill faces additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.Paulhus is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents the city of Bath. He serves as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Paulhus], c. 305-965-2744