Adopted in 1909. New Hampshire was one of the thirteen original colonies to declare independence in 1776. It included the area that later became the state of Vermont in 1808. It was the first colony to adopt its own constitution, and the ninth state to ratify the National Constitution. Prior to 1909, New Hampshire had no official state flag and used numerous regimental flags to represent the state. The flag has only been changed once, in 1931 when the state's seal was modified.