History Flags of New York City

unofficial flag featuring old seal, replaced 1915 flag.

for first few hundred years of existence, city of new york lacked official flag , seal. end of 19th century, city flying unofficial flag featuring round blue seal on white field.

in 1914, commemorate 250th anniversary of installation of first mayor under english rule, city art commission appointed blue-ribbon committee create city s first official seal , flag. committee consulted new-york historical society study historical seals used city government under dutch , english, incorporate symbolism new city seal , flag.

the committee described proposed flag way:

the flag approved on april 6, 1915 , first unveiled public on june 24.

the current design dates december 30, 1977, when seal subtly modified. date changed 1664 (when kingdom of england took possession) 1625. change proposed irish-born paul o dwyer, president of city council, emphasize dutch contributions city s history , downplay british legacy. choice of date controversial @ time; aide first deputy mayor james a. cavanagh concluded: in researching validity of proposal, find no basis 1625 founding date. aide then-mayor abe beame suggested 1624 more accurate date, when city chartered legal dutch entity. author edwin g. burrows had perspective on debate, saying have wonder if didn’t pick either 1626 or 1625 beat boston, settled in 1630. nonetheless, mayor signed o dwyer s legislation.