Massachusetts' official flag was adopted in 1971 prior to this time, the Massachusetts flag had a design on both sides and in 1971 the design on the reverse was eliminated.

Massachusetts' flag has a white background with a Native American carrying a bow and arrow on a blue shield. A white star on the shield represents the state of Massachusetts. Above the shield is a arm wielding a sword which demonstrates the state motto. Beneath the shield is the state motto written in yellow on a blue ribbon reading "ENSE PETIT PLACIDAM SUB LIBERTATE QUIETEM," which is in Latin and means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."