Heraldry Government of New York City

the seal of new york city, adopted in earlier form in 1686, bears legend sigillvm civitatis novi eboraci, means seal of city of new york . eboracum roman name york, titular seat of james ii duke of york. 2 supporters represent unity between native americans , colonists, 4 windmill sails recall city s dutch history new amsterdam, , beavers , flour barrels city s earliest trade goods (see history of new york city). crest on seal american eagle, added after american revolution. 1625 , date @ bottom, chosen emphasize city s dutch roots has been characterized arbitrary , wrong notable city historians (new amsterdam settled in 1624).

the flag of new york city adopted in 1915. blue, white, , orange bands represent colors of dutch flag flew on city, new amsterdam, between 1620s , 1660s. located in center blue print of official seal of new york city minus latin motto.

there 2 official variants of new york city flag. mayor s office version adds arc of 5 five-pointed stars (representing each of 5 boroughs) in blue above seal, , councilmanic version adds word council in blue below seal.